Peranan Institusi Masjid di Sipitang dalam Memurnikan Adat Tradisi Masyarakat Kedayan

Abstract

Custom or tradition is a reality that cannot be avoided because it was born as a result of cultural history of a particular race or ethnicity, including the Kedayan. It has been inherited and practiced for several centuries and it present character is diverse and determined by a variety of factors. Even after converting to Islam, traditional customs and beliefs of the Muslim community in Malaysia which were inherited from the pre-Islamic era are not totally extinguished. Therefore, various efforts have been made by the governmental agencies and religious bodies to ensure the traditional beliefs and practices of the Muslims in Malaysia including the Kedayan conform to Islam. Therefore, this paper will explore the role of the selected mosques in the district of Sipitang in upholding some of the traditions of the Kedayan community. Among the traditions discussed are cleaning the grave, holding mourn feast during the month of Shaaban and holding mourn feast at the end of the month of Ramadan. This study is a qualitative study using the method of observation and interview. Data shows the mosque institution in Sipitang has played an important role by taking over the responsibility to organize some traditional practices of the Kedayan which are cleaning the grave, holding mourn feast during the month of Shaaban (Makan Arwah) and holding mourn feast at the end of the month of Ramadan (Makan Malam Tujuh). This effort has obstructed some activities such reciting incantation and burning the benzoin with the aims that contradict to the teaching of Islam among this community.