The Malaysian Shi‘a: A Preliminary Study of Their History, Oppression, and Denied Rights

Abstract

Malaysia is one of the largest strongholds of Sunnism in the Islamic world, and, frequently, the existence of Shi‘a in the Malay archipelago in the pre-modern era or the existence of any sizable number of indigenous Malay Shi‘a is denied; this is done explicitly in the context of legislation outlawing Shi‘ism. Nevertheless, Malay cultural practices show evidence of the influence of Shi‘ism; this suggests a stronger historical presence of Shi‘ism than is commonly acknowledged. Applying the oral historiography framework of Jan Vansina, this study unearths evidence of Shi‘ism in Malaysia going back centuries through anonymous interviews. It also highlights the contemporary lack of religious freedom that the Shi‘a minority in Malaysia faces, particularly after the 2010 raid on the Hauzah Ar Ridha Alaihissalam community centre near Kuala Lumpur. Ultimately, this study hopes to put the situation of the Shi‘a in Malaysia today into a larger historical context and refute the argument that Shi‘ism is a recent arrival to the Malay archipelago.

Voices of Islamic Authorities: Friday Khutba in Malaysian Mosques

“…The khatib stated: Whoever amongst the Muslim accepts the teachings of the Shi'a and takes part in insulting and vilifying the Companions must repent swiftly and ask for Allah's forgiveness, and turn away from those acts of stupidity and return to Sunni Islam. (Khutba dated 29 March 2013;Maik 2013) The Shi'a community in Malaysia is currently facing social pressure and legal action is being taken against individuals who practise Shi'a teachings, study their doctrines and propagate it to the public (Musa 2013). The contents of khutbas such as this one may potentially increase the mistreatment and religious persecution of these communities.…”

Criminalising Religious Pluralism: The Legal Treatment of Shi'ites in Malaysia

“…Islamic countries are no exception to this type of conflict as freedom of religion is not given absolutely to their people (Stahnke & Blitt 2007). In Malaysia, legal actions against religious minority groups tend to court controversy (Fauzi 2005;Musa 2013), whilst prompting questions about the jurisdictional capacity of the law to govern them.…”

“…Local Shia groups in Malaysia have found their religious interpretation of Islam the subject of punitive action (Saeed & Saeed 2004;Hamed Shah & Mohd Sani 2011;Musa 2013). In the same way, to the certain extent that Sunnism is often construed in homogenous term, the diversity among Shia is not fully comprehended by Sunni States like Malaysia.…”

“…To date, this discussion has yet to be explored by any local or international researchers, who have instead been more focused on the recreation of Shia history in the Malay world and the right to freedom of religion (Mukherjee 2005;Marcinkowski 2008;Marcinkowski 2009;Musa 2013). This article will first discuss the recognition of Sunni Islam in Malaysia via legal mechanisms.…”

The Controversy of Mu`min and Kāfir Meaning: How to Build Faith and Religious Tolerance?

“…Likewise, the violence against the minority Shiites and Ahmadis happened massively. In 2010, the Shiites near the city of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) were attacked by the masses [4]. In 2011, they expelled Shia people in Sampang Madura.…”