Nusantara and Islam: a study of the history and challengesin the preservation of faith and identity

Ishak, Mohd. Shuhaimi (2014) Nusantara and Islam: a study of the history and challengesin the preservation of faith and identity. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 8 (9). pp. 351-359. ISSN 1991-8178

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Abstract

Background: Nusantara or the Malay Archipelago is the general term used to refer to the populace of Malays living in many parts of Southeast Asia, stretching from Vietnam, Cambodia, to Southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Southern Philippines. Objective: This paper attempts to shed light on the history and challenges the Malays faced in the preservation of their faith and identity as Muslims across the Malay world. Results: Islam came to the Malay world from many locations. In addition to the Indians and Persians, the Arabs also played a role in bringing Islamic civilization to the Malays. As opposed to the teachings of the Indians and Persians who were responsible for the spread of mysticism and other popular elements of Islam, the Arabs familiarized the Malays with the orthodox teachings of the religion. Conclusion: The paper concludes that the Islamic Malay culture today is a tapestry of numerous strands as the total impact of Islamization had come from many different directions while the Malays struggled with a host of issues to maintain their faith and identity.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	4676/37533
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Nusantara, Southeast Asia, Islam, Malay world, Faith and Identity
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam D History General and Old World > DS Asia
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of General Studies
Depositing User:	Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Shuhaimi Ishak
Date Deposited:	04 Aug 2014 09:58
Last Modified:	13 Jun 2018 15:35
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/37533

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