Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz

Ismail bin Omar Abdul Aziz (1911 – 3 February 1994) was a Malaysian nobleman and politician who became the first State Mufti of Brunei under the Ministry of Religious Affairs office, later State Mufti Office. He was a well-respected Malaysian expatriate ulema (a native Johorean Malay) whom have contributed greatly to Islam and the people, notably for the State of Johor and Brunei.

Early life and education
Ismail was born in 1911 in Batu Pahat, Johor's Kampong Rengit. He received his early education at the Al-Attas Arab School from 1923 to 1928. Upon completion in 1929, he became a teacher at the school and Al-Johor College Attas until 1937. In 1938, he obtained a government scholarship and earned no fewer than five degrees from Al-Azhar University and Cairo University in 1948.

Career
After returning from Egypt in 1949, Ismail was appointed as the Inspector of Arabic Schools and manager of the Journal of the Johor Department of Religion until 1952. After that he became the kadhi of Segamat District from 1953 to 1954. In 1955, he became the seconded principal at the Malayan Islamic College. At the same time he together with Tuan Haji Othman bin Haji Mohammad, the Chief Inspector of Religious Schools in Johor were invited by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III to review the proposal to establish a religious school in Brunei.

Ismail was one of the two individuals tasked with researching the idea for the opening of a religious school in Brunei by touring a number of Malay and English-language institutions and submitting a written report. The investigation came to the conclusion that Brunei's regular religious instruction, which is taught in Malay and English schools, is insufficient since it only receives a half-hour each week. Naturally, as a result of this candid assessment, the Sultan allowed the creation of the first religious school in Brunei in September 1956.

Ismail then went back to Johor as he was appointed as the Deputy Mufti of Johor, then became the kadhi of Pontian District in 1957, acting Grand Kadhi for Johor in 1958 and subsequently becoming Johor's Kadhi Besar in 1958. He was once more lent to Brunei by the Johor government on 1 April 1962 for a three-year term as State Mufti of the Brunei Government until 31 March 1965, due to the strong and cordial relationships between the late Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Sultan Ibrahim of Johor. His ties to Brunei began to deepen and strengthen about the time that religious schools were first established there. He became the Deputy Mufti of Hojor up until his retirement on 1 January 1967, where he returned to Brunei and continued serving as the State Mufti of Brunei.

On 8 March 1967, Ismail was reinstated by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to serve Brunei's government as the Mufti. His appointment would only be approved by then retired Omar Ali Saifuddien III on the 11th. He had declared many Fatwas during those years, one of which was the banning of selling alcoholic drinks. He was an excellent figure who has the ability and can be identified through various aspects, such as personality, trustworthy nature, extensive knowledge, steadfast and courageous attitude, and fiery spirit. His Fatwas were seen as firm, insightful, and enlightening. According to entries in the register of fatwas kept by the Mufti Department of the Government of Brunei, up to 1,753 series of fatwas were published between 1962 and the end of his life in 1993.

During his final tenure as State Mufti, he was included and appointed into various national and institutionsl councils such as the Succession Council, Islamic Religious Council, Judicial Committee, and many others up to an estimated 40. Additionally, he has represented Brunei in many international and regional seminars and congresses.

Death
Ismail passed away on 3 February 1993, at the age of 82, in the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan. The next day, on 4 February 1993, his remains was interred in the Kubah Makam Di Raja.

Legacy
State Mufti, Abdul Aziz Juned delivered the Prime Minister's Paper entitled 'Keunggulan Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Ismail bin Omar Abdul Aziz Sebagai Tokoh Yang Dihormati ' to the International Convention Center, in conjunction with the coronation of Sultan Ibrahim Ismail. Additionally, he underlined that as a significant person, it is important to remember Ismail's past may serve as a remedy, a lesson, and a role model for others.

Honours
Ismail was bestowed the manteri title of Yang Dimuliakan (The Exalted One) Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja on 1 February 1968. Additionally, he has earned the following honours:
 * BRU_Family_Order_of_Brunei_2nd_Class.svg Family Order of Seri Utama (DK) – Dato Seri Utama
 * BRU_Islamic_Religious_Order_of_the_State_of_Brunei.svg Order of Islam Brunei First Class (PSSUB) – Dato Paduka Seri Setia
 * BRU_Order_of_Merit_of_Brunei.svg Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Second Class (DSLJ) – Dato Seri Laila Jasa
 * Order_of_Seri_Paduka_Mahkota_Brunei_Third_Class_(SMB).jpg Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Third Class (SMB)
 * Sultan_Hassanal_Bolkiah_Medal.gif Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS)
 * Sultan_Ibrahim_Coronation_Medal_ribbon.gif Sultan Ibrahim Medal First Class (PIS)
 * Universiti Brunei Darussalam Doctor in Laws (25 September 1991)