Malay Society Research Articles

Integration of Tunjuk Ajar Malay Culture and Sirah Nabawiyah in Character Implementation

Strengthening character in the development of global culture is needed to deal with the moral crisis that occurs in the younger generation, which is mainly eroded by the life of hedonism. Global culture has a lot of influence on changes to local culture, which is in line with moral decadence. The purpose of this paper is to tie the two dimensions that have been running for a long time in Malay society; on the one hand, they are very important and cannot be separated. The Tunjuk Ajar Malay culture and the Sirah Nabawiyah become a means of integration and implementation of characters that can organise a harmonious life. This research uses a qualitative literature method with data sources of observation, literature review and content analysis of the stanzas of Tunjuk Ajar Malay culture and lessons contained in Sirah Nabawiyah with descriptive character implementation in the community. The integration of Tunjuk Ajar Malay culture and Sirah Nabawiyah in the implementation of character is an acculturation of religious and cultural norms that reflect religiosity. In the practice of behaviour related to character, the realisation of an integration arranges the character of the younger generation in the development of global culture.

ANALISIS MAKNA SUPERSTISI KATEGORI MATA PENCAHARIAN DAN HUBUNGAN SOSIAL PADA MASYARAKAT MELAYU RUMBAI

Superstition is a belief that is believed and can be proven logically and also does not necessarily happen. In this study, researchers conducted research in one of the villages in East Rumbai District, namely in the village of Tebing Tinggi Okura. The researcher conducted this research based on a deeper curiosity about the connotative and denotative meanings of the superstitions of the East Rumbai Malay community, this superstition will later lead to the values ​​of people's trust in living life in their environment, this research helps the community teach moral teachings to children and youth, so that it can be carried out in everyday life. Because this superstition is very closely related to the customs and culture of the Malay people and is the legacy of their ancestors. This study aims to analyze a meaning related to the formulation of the problem, namely the superstitious meaning of livelihoods and social relations in the East Rumbai Malay community in the village of Tebing Tinggi Okura. Researchers used a qualitative descriptive method with a type of field research, with a qualitative approach. Researchers used three stages in analyzing data, namely data editing, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study found 27 denotative and connotative meaning data. The results of the analysis found by the author can draw the conclusion that the superstition found in a Rumbai Malay community contains denotative and connotative meanings. In Malay society, especially the oldest people for generations, apply superstition in daily life because the use of superstitious can regulate the norms in society, especially in livelihoods and social relations.

ISLAM IN THE MALAY HISTORY AND CULTURE: ITS IMPACTS ON THE MALAY CULTURE, LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

The origin of Malay language, culture and literature often being debated due to different reasons and interests. Some argued there are similarities between the Malay’s practices, words and literature influences to the Hindus as well as Buddhists while some strongly refuted, saying that all aspect are solely influenced by Islamic traits. This research was carried out to prove that Islamization serves as the key factor in the Malay society’s transformation particularly in terms of language, literature and culture. It is in accordance with a Western Philosopher’s ideology, "a revolution from within" which stated that the Malay’s strength was not attributed to its race, culture and literature, but it is because of Islam. The research methodology used encompasses the literature review and analysis of information obtained from previous studies. The data findings revealed that there were indeed Hinduism and Buddhism in the Malay Peninsula particularly and the Malay Archipelago however the arrival of Islam has resulted in numerous changes in the traditional Malay society. The religion introduced a new system of law and values, thus resulting in a significant transformation in the Malay worldview. Perhaps the most noticeable change it caused was the emergence and development of the Malay language and literature. Islam's arrival has also led to other cultural shifts in the Malay Archipelago from various aspects, for instance the learning development that was mostly driven by the introduction of the religion's holy scripture known as Quran which was written in the Arabic language. Following Islamization, the Malay society learned recitation of the Quran to enable them to perform prayers and other religious rituals. Conversion to Islam involving all Malays in the Malay peninsula occurred without disrupting the harmony among the societies. In the political aspect, Islamization has brought about a new system of law and government.

The Traces of Spice Trade in Malay Text Records in the Riau Archipelago

The 18th until 19th century was a golden period/era of Riau Islands as a hub of spices trade in western Nusantara (Indonesia). In geographical aspect, Riau Islands border Malaka Strait to the west and the South China Sea to the north, so that this region was known as the gate of the world spices trade to Nusantara. The major commodities from Riau Islands is gambier which flourish in Tanjungpinang and catch the world’s attention. Foreigners who came and did trade in this region were welcomed by Malay society. A warm and dynamic interaction by Malay people with foreigners like Chinese, Arabs, and Indians generated certain cultural acculturation. That was proof that foreign culture was adapted to the prevailing culture of Malay society in the Riau Islands. This research aims to probe the trace of the spices trade in Riau Island which is written in Malay text in the form of hikayat, syair, and text about medicine and traditional medication. Several things discussed in this research are 1) the forms of cultural acculturation, 2) the uses of spices commodities, and (3) the roles of the spices trade center in the Riau Islands. The finding shows that the cultural interaction of Malay society in the Riau Islands is related to the history and the regional role as the gate and the hub of the world spices trade.

The Resistance of Palembang’s Local Religious Elites to Dutch East Indies Islamic Politics in the 20th Century

The 19th century was the peak of the mission era and the beginning of the 20th century was the period of independence of the Protestant Church by inviting various missionary organizations from Europe to carry out their missions in the Dutch East Indies. This was a major threat to Muslims, including Palembang Malay Muslims. This article seeks to complement existing research with the aim of knowing the resistance factors of local elites in the Palembang Malay community. This study uses a socio-historical approach by making use of James C. Scoot’s resistance theory. Scoot’s theory of resistance. This study concludes that the resistance of local elites in Palembang Malay society is caused by the central role of local religious elites in preaching and teaching the Muslim community in Palembang to remote areas. The elites a r e in the category of free ulama. Figures such as Abdullah Munsyi and the Samaniyah tarekat teachers who made various efforts to save Muslims from Islamic politics run by the Dutch East Indies. Efforts were made such as the construction of various places that served as centers of Islamic studies such as langgar, mosques, and madrasas.

Depiction of Polygamous Character Traits in Che Husna Azhari’s Mariah

In Malaysia, literary texts produced in English remain a challenging terrain, especially among Malay writers who must cautiously negotiate between their Malay identity, religion, and cultural globalization. For instance, Che Husna Azhari’s literary works, especially her notable short story Mariah, have received tremendous scholarly attention recently. Mariah has been criticized from several viewpoints, such as the playwright’s conscious self that forms identity and gender. Thus, using a context-oriented approach, this analysis aims to explore how the Malaysian author, Che Husna Azhari, depicts polygamous character traits in Mariah from a feminist perspective. The feminist rendering employed in this analysis could interestingly reveal how a female writer portrays the issue of polygamy. The analysis revealed that through major characters, Azhari boldly depicts Muslim masculinity, polygamous tendencies, and lust toward women, particularly in the Imam’s character. Yet, the narrative tends to mirror patriarchy in Malay society for crediting the use of religion to suppress women. This analysis could advance our understanding of how female characters are represented by a female writer within the socio-cultural and religious contexts of typical Malay society. There is a need, therefore, for modern writers to reassess the narratives of women and polygamy in literary works. This step can guide the reader’s understanding of polygamy as a hotly-debated topic as well as enlighten the public about the widespread misconceptions about women's issues in society.

WORKS OF AMALUDDIN DARUS: AN ANNOTATION OF SELECTEDPRIMARY SOURCES 1970-1979

Basically, this article focuses its attention on the subject of the written works of Amaluddin Darus. His produced works are intellectual literatures produced by a Malay-Muslim scholar figure on a variety of topics and discussions on Islamic rulings on politics, economy, social affairs, science and End-Times events. Works of Amaluddin Darus have been playing an important role in the Malay society in the early development of critical Islamic politics and leadership literatures in Malaysia which are used as a tool of communication and learning and a medium of knowledge development. However, this article analyzed literary writings which were composed circa 1970 to 1979 only to evaluate their characteristics against those produced in 1980 to 1989. Its discussion shall include a brief deliberation on selected primary sources of the written works. The analytical method used in this study is qualitative through textual reference and primary sources as well a method of historical analysis on the progression of an idea. Obtained facts were filtered briefly by using an approach of induction of the Malay World history. Studies showed that the works of Amaluddin Darus have a distinctive identity and superiority and are regarded among intellectual works of Malay figures.

Examining The Politeness Principles in The Oral Tradition of Jawab Dilaman Malay Society in Kemingking Village, Jambi Province

Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics that examines the external meaning of an utterance that is interpreted by the listener. This study aimed to examine the Politeness Principles in the oral tradition of "jawab dilaman" of the Malay society in Kemingking Village, Jambi Province. Jawab dilaman is one of the oral tradition the Malay society when the groom came and want to sit beside the bride, this tradition uttered the seloko by the customary elder which consists of some proverbs, the proverbs contain some advice that interesting to analyze by using politeness principle. This study used the descriptive qualitative method. Data collection techniques used recording and interview techniques. The results obtained were seventeen maxims, including two data maxims of wisdom, two data maxims of generosity, four data maxims of praise, one data maxim of humility, one data maxim of sympathy and one maxim of agreement data. Based on the final result, the maxim that appears the most is the maxim of agreement the consensus maxim wants every speaker and interlocutor to maximize agreement between them and minimize disagreement in speech acts.

BERAGAMA (ISLAM) DI TENGAH KEBERAGAMAN MASYARAKAT MELAYU BANGKA DALAM PERSPEKTIF DAKWAH KEAGAMAAN

This article aims to explain how the social system in religious life, especially Islam in Bangka Belitung with the spectrum of diversity of Malay society in the perspective of religious preaching. This paper refers to the social system of the people of Bangka Belitung which consists of various ethnicities and religions. Of course, from the perspective of the religious proselytizing approach, this social system must be accompanied by the potential to realize the values of harmony and peace in the life of society and the state. In the perspective of da'wah and religion, this can be realized through 1) da'i and inclusiveness, 2) soothing da'wah materials, 3) and transformative da'wah. These three components are expected to be a reference or alternative in creating a solid and harmonious Malay community in the Bangka Belitung Islands.

The Making of a Periphery: How Island Southeast Asia Became a Mass Exporter of Labor

The Making of a Periphery: How Island Southeast Asia Became a Mass Exporter of Labor

Redesain Dan Tradisi Visualisasi Dalam Iluminasi Naskah Melayu Nusantara

This paper study aims to unravel the existence of the visualization tradition of Malay society in the illumination of Malay texts in the archipelago and to detect the redesign of the legacy of illumination in the interests of today's society. The method used in this study uses a qualitative research method with a literature study approach that uses primary and secondary data sources that are searched by literature data collection techniques from various sources and then analyzed with the needs of researchers for the data presented in this study. In this study several conclusions can be drawn, the visualization tradition in the illumination of Malay archipelago manuscripts is a reflection of the intellectuality of the written tradition which is an indicator of cultural phenomena in the form of ideas, social system and practices. Then, the main element that always exists in Malay texts in the archipelago is bamboo shoots which have a philosophy to continue to grow tall, strong and strong from the wind. Second, the redesign of the Malay script illumination visualization tradition still occurs today, especially in the interests of socio-economic welfare for the creative industry as contained in the revitalization of the illumination design into a digital vector shape which helps make it easy to apply in various design formats for invitations, paintings, book cover frames, paintings. , and batiks. One that has materialized is to become batik cloth in various Malay regions. Seeing these conditions, the Malay Archipelago script has a great opportunity to be redesigned in the current context. This, in addition to preserving the Malay manuscript illumination visualization tradition through a distinctive representation of meaning, is a very valuable cultural heritage.

The Value of Budi-Islam as the Foundation in Enhancing Ethnic Tolerance in Malaysia: A Case Study among Malay Students at the Public Higher Learning Institution

Budi-Islam is a core value that dominates the actions and mind-set of a Malay. It is revealed whenever a Malay starts to interact either with fellow ethnic members or individuals from different ethnic groups. The emergence of budi in the mind of a Malay is natural, and its presence is strengthened by their customs and surroundings, which are very much influenced by observing the traits of water and paddy. As a result of those interactions, another set of values such as tolerance, respecting others, cooperation, patience, modesty and forgiveness were developed. In order to identify the influence of these values in the Malay society, this study was carried out based on textual analysis among the Malay students at Public Higher Learning Institution. The findings show that the Malay students possess a relatively high level of tolerance based on their activities involving members of society from different religions, ethnicities and cultures.
 
 Received: 2 November 2022 / Accepted: 26 December 2022 / Published: 5 January 2023

Malay Folk Beliefs and Rituals in the Prose Writings by Muslim Reformist Authors in the First Half of 20th Century

The study explores texts of Malay literature of 1920-s – early 1940-s focusing on pre-Islamic worldview and magic rituals. These topics were widely represented in Western research, but fiction of the time provides a unique opportunity to contemplate the attitude to traditional beliefs within Malay society itself at the important stage of its historical development. The authors’ evaluation of the whole complex of animistic beliefs and shamanistic practices is studied in the light of Islamic reformist thought. The first decades of the 20th century in British Malaya witnessed the rise of reformism with its preaching of socioeconomic progress based upon the purification of Islam from the remnants of archaic perception of being and upon public education. In the meantime, genres of modern literature were evolving with active participation of the writers who shared reformist ideas. On the one hand, the study reveals negative attitude of these authors towards what they called “dark superstitions”. This position is actualized in the texts of literature aiming to change the reader’s opinion through the revision of his convictions. The authors of early Malay prose aspired to expose the emptiness of traditional beliefs, powerlessness of magic rituals, amorality and deception of shamans. On the other hand, the analysis traces a number of motifs demonstrating the importance of traditional cults and the demand for their practitioners within the Malay community, that made them able to withstand the pressure of reformist thought. The paper specifies factors that contributed to the survival of traditional worldview.

The Adaptation of Malay Philosophy Values through Maritime education Preservation and Conservation Wisdom

This academic investigation embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the amalgamation of Malay philosophy, Islamic heritage, and environmental wisdom, which offers a distinctive perspective with far-reaching implications for maritime education. Navigating an array of dimensions encompassing social values, customary norms, environmental ethics, belief systems, and traditional spatial practices, this inquiry unveils the profound significance of Malay wisdom for environmental preservation and harmonious coexistence. Central to this convergence is the deep-seated respect Malay society places on environmental preservation, an integral facet of their cultural identity. This reverence infuses daily life and is embodied in an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Moreover, Malay customary norms stand as an exemplar of sustainable resource management, ensuring responsible resource utilization through traditions passed down through generations. The guiding principle of “Pantang Larang,” an array of traditional prohibitions, is instrumental in ecological conservation. At the heart of this environmental wisdom lies a unique set of ethics, firmly rooted in the belief that humans are entrusted with the role of stewards of the environment. These ethical values find resonance in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the responsibility to safeguard the Earth as a divine trust. These principles inform traditional practices, meticulously minimizing environmental impact and ensuring the longevity of vital resources. Islamic heritage further amplifies the Malay commitment to environmental stewardship, accentuating the interconnectedness of all life forms and venerating the environment as a divine gift. In conclusion, this amalgamation of Malay philosophy and Islamic heritage nurtures profound environmental wisdom, deeply embedded in social values, customary norms, environmental ethics, belief systems, and spatial practices. The incorporation of these insights into maritime education has the potential to elevate ecological awareness and encourage responsible practices, acknowledging the interdependence of all life forms and the imperative of sustainable coexistence with the natural world. This research sheds light on the vital role of Malay philosophy and Islamic heritage in nurturing a holistic understanding of environmental stewardship within the context of maritime education.

DIMENSI MELAYU DALAM PUISI TERSEBAB AKU MELAYU: BUKU SAJAK PENGGAL KEDUA KARYA TAUFIK IKRAM JAMIL: KAJIAN STRUKTURALISME GENETIK

Poetry as a literary work contains the author's thoughts related to social reality in society. This allows poetry to be analyzed regarding the creation of its origins which reflect portraits of life using the study of genetic structuralism. One of the poems that can be studied using genetic structuralism is the poem Tersebab Aku Melayu: Buku Sajak Penggal Kedua by Taufik Ikram Jamil regarding the Malay dimension. This study aims to describe the relationship between the structure of poetry and social structure, human facts, and the author's worldview in the poem Tersebab Aku Melayu: Buku Sajak Penggal Kedua by Taufik Ikram Jamil with a study of genetic structuralism that describes the Malay dimension. The type of research used is qualitative research with content analysis methods. Data collection techniques to be carried out are reading techniques and note-taking techniques. The data analysis technique will be carried out using the following steps: (1) classifying and coding data related to the research problem; (2) interpreting data related to the study of genetic structuralism; (3) draw conclusions from the results of data analysis to see an explanation of genetic structuralism; (4) make a report in accordance with the research. The results of the study suggest that the relationship between the structure of poetry and social structure in the poem Tersebab Aku Melayu: Buku Sajak Penggal Kedua by Taufik Ikram Jamil can be seen from the diction on the physical structure and the themes on the inner structure which describe the Malay dimension regarding the social structure of Malay society which consists of several levels in the narrative of Malay history, the dominant human facts are social facts explaining behavior among Malay people, and the author's worldview is related to the social life of the Malay community which is based on the values ​​of Tunjuk Teachings of Malay and Islamic principles based on the Qur'an and Hadith.

Changes of The Function of The New Meaning of Ritual Reject Bala Malay Serdang

This study was done to get a better understanding of the role the tolak bala ritual plays in Malay society nowadays. The tolak bala ritual (warn off misfortune) is a type of cultural treatment to seek protection from misfortune from God. Despite modernization and technology, the tolak bala ritual has become endangered in Malay society as a cultural value. Serdang district lost the tolak bala ritual. A qualitative descriptive research design was used to see how Malay faiths have changed since they were implemented. This study shows how the Tolak Bala Ritual isn't just a healing treatment that uses spells and prayers, but it's also a way to package medicines for sale.

Preserving The Conventional Indigenous Postnatal Care: A Case Of Sarawak's Malay Practices

In Sarawak’s Malay society, the conventional ways of treating mothers in confinement include the use of Malay traditional herbs of herbal treatments and age-old ways of physical care. However, the underlying philosophies of most do’s and don’ts on traditional confinement care from the perspective of Sarawak’s Malays are not clearly explained by the midwife or elderly, and neither published in any academic publication. Hence, realising the need for the preservation of indigenous knowledge, this paper aims to document and explain the conventional Sarawak Malays’ ways of postnatal care. The conventional practices of postnatal care as discussed in this paper are qualitative in nature, where they are narrated through autoethnographic experiences, based on a self-reflective form of record by the first author. Sarawak’s Malay postnatal care is classified into five care routines for the mother, which include healing, cleansing, heating and toning, energising, and gastronomy. Significantly, the findings would assure that with proper postnatal care, the risk of meruyan (postnatal blues) could be reduced, and to convey two essential benefits of longevity and fertility of the womenfolk. Conservation and preservation of conventional social elements are significant as tutelage for the future generations as well as for establishing a national identity. It is vital to ensure that the indigenous (postpartum care) knowledge is properly documented with the hope that the social identity, especially among Sarawak’s Malays would be preserve.

Islam and Traditional Fabrics: Symbolic Da’wah in Sambas Malay Weaving Motifs, West Kalimantan

This article aims to analyze symbolic da'wah through the weaving motifs of Malay Sambas, West Kalimantan. This study uses an interpretive paradigm with a semiotic method. The data sources in this study were 22 motifs of Sambas Malay woven fabric. Data was obtained through observation and interviews. The data obtained were then analyzed using the semiotic triangle meaning model of Charles Sander Peirce. This study finds that the woven fabric motif is formed through a long process and closely relates to the socio-cultural construction of the Sambas Malay society. At this level, the Sambas Malay weaving motif is created from three elements: beauty, cultural identity, and the ethnoreligious reality of the Sambas Malay society, and efforts to internalize Islamic teachings in Sambas Malay life through the meaning and symbolic message of the motif. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the Sambas Malay weaving motif is not only a cultural product of the Sambas Malay society but also a symbolic da’wah medium in the Sambas Malay society through a cultural approach.

Supporting the Elderly: The “Kenang Budi” Concept Within the Malay Society in Malaysia

The rising number of elderlies has brought several issues forward, particularly pertaining to care and support. Children are expected to be the primary source of support for the elderly and provide them with physical, social, and financial support to show that they are indebted to their parents. This concept is called “kenang budi.” The concept is prevalent in the Malay Muslim culture in Malaysia. This study examines the types of support given by the children in the practice of the “kenang budi” concept by analyzing the data gathered from 327 elderly in Pahang, Malaysia, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The results demonstrate that the concept is practiced by several acts of service, such as providing health support and care, aiding them financially, preparing daily necessities, maintaining good contact, and taking them to places such as mosques and festival shows. Since children’s support is pertinent for the well-being of the elderly, the concept of “kenang budi” is appropriate in ensuring the children’s continuous support and providing a chance for the children to care for and be responsible for the elderly. This article highlights the element of “kenang budi” (literally, in English, grateful) in the Malay community, especially in the context of doing a good or responsible attitude towards elderly parents, similar to the concept of filial piety practiced in Chinese society in Southeast Asia.

Design of Masjid Kampung Keling and Acculturation of Chinese Culture

The Chinese communities’ historical involvement in the architectural style of Malaysia's old mosques has established its presence in Malay society. Acculturation is focused on the meeting and mutual effect of Malay and Chinese cultures in this study. The goal of this research was to understand the aspects of Chinese culture that inspired the architectural and artistic styles of the mosques. This investigation focuses on the Masjid Kampung Keling in Malacca. The public's understanding of the history of Chinese cultural acculturation in this distinctive mosque is limited. As a result, this study was carried out to broaden and improve knowledge of traditional Malay architectural features, particularly Chinese acculturation. For this research work, a qualitative research methodology was developed alongside cultural studies and exploratory data methodologies in order to comprehend the mosque's distinct design aesthetic. The findings of this study provide a clearer picture of how early Islamic cultures in the Malay region developed their architecture. Pyramid roofs, roof crowns, embellishments, and towers are all examples of Chinese cultural acculturation. The findings of this study provided a better understanding of how earlier Muslim communities in the Malay world developed. As a result, it is expected that this study will provide a comprehensive picture of the evolution of mosque design in Malaysia and Malacca and can be applied to the ongoing development of concepts that will be useful to future academics.