Indian Muslims in Malaysia: a sociological analysis of a minority ethnic group

Muhamad Shukri, Abdul Salam and Abdullah @ Chuah Hock Leng, Osman and Yeoh, Mohd Syukri (2011) Indian Muslims in Malaysia: a sociological analysis of a minority ethnic group. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, 31 (2). pp. 217-230. ISSN 1469-9591 (O), 1360-2004 (P)

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Abstract

This article analyses the status of Indian Muslims in Malaysia from a historical perspective and its definition as a minority ethnic group. It also highlights the political reality of the Indian Muslims, particularly as a smaller and relatively insignificant minority group in comparison with the numerically larger Malays as well as the non-Muslim Chinese and Hindu Indians. It describes the social interactions of the various ethnic groups in Malaysia and the Indian Muslims as a minority fighting for their identity and survival. It discusses the “position” of the Indian Muslims with particular reference to Article 152 of the Malaysian Constitution which states that a Malay person is defined as one speaking the Malay language, practicing Malay customs, and following the religion of Islam. The great contributions of Indian Muslims are also elaborated. This inquiry highlights the reality facing the Indian Muslims in Malaysia today: they have no political power but remain a marginalized minority in the midst of Malay political domination and Chinese economic hegemony. Indeed they are facing the grim prospect of permanent bifurcation of their identity—some are slowly but surely being assimilated into the Malay cultural milieu, mainly through marriage and for political expediency, on the one hand and others stubbornly resist this cultural absorption, and resiliently retain and preserve their ethnic traditions and purity.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	4626/15850
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Indian Muslims, Malaysia
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP170.85 Da'wah. Mission of Islam. Summons, invitation, etc.
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion
Depositing User:	Aassociate Professor Osman Abdullah @ Chuah Hock Leng
Date Deposited:	26 Jan 2012 14:32
Last Modified:	10 Apr 2012 11:17
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/15850

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