Heresy Phenomena in the Malay Community in Malaysia

Abstract

The heresy conflict is a manifestation of conflict between backwardness and progress of a civilization. When such a conflict arises within a Malay society, progress becomes difficult to be translated. The emergence of Islam for all human being among which include fighting against heresy especially ones that attempt to deviate Muslims faith while lighter matters of heresy are set aside. There are some big questions about heresy associated with the beliefs and practices of the community such as shamanism, fortune telling, and amulets and so on. This article reviews the origin concept of heresy and conflicted views disputed by the past scholars that have been opened for discussion until today. There are surveys that were conducted following the conflict of heresy since the arrival of Islam in the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and how it grew and spread into the Malay community in Malaysia. In the meantime, this article also tried to portray the major threat growing within the society such as superstitious beliefs and practices. The methodology used in this article is content analysis supported by a survey conducted through qualitative approach. Qualitative data are obtained from interviews with knowledgeable and expert key informants in this field.