Reawakening of Islamic consciousness in Malaysia, 1970-1987

Abstract

This study is concerned with the history of Islam in post-independent Malaysia, particularly the subject of the reawakening of Islamic consciousness among the Muslims in the decades of the 70s and 80s. Accordingly, particular attention has been devoted to the role of three major da 'wah (Islamic missionary) movements, namely, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM or the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia), Darul Arqam and Jama' at Tabligh which have the support especially of young educated Muslims in the country. Responses to these movements, which have come from various quarters within the Malaysian milieu, are also discussed. In this context, the process of Islamisation and its impact upon Malaysian society are considered and so is the problem of Islamic heterodoxy, which has in a way hampered the smooth development of Islamic da 'wah. Further, some consideration is given to the problem of ethnic rivalry among the Malaysians of diverse religious backgrounds and this problem is assessed in the light of the current Islamic revival. Also the impact of Islam upon Malaya's/Malaysia's foreign policy is briefly evaluated.

As a background to this study, we consider briefly the nature and development of Islam in the pre-colonial Malay States, the changes related to Islam during the colonial period and the position of Islam in post-independent Malaya/Malaysia until the late 60s. Simultaneously, the relationship between Islam and the rise of Malay nationalism and the role of political parties are- also discussed. Without such discussions, it will be hard for us to appreciate the developments of the 70s and 80s.