Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ISLAM & POLITICS
Islam has always played a key role in Malaysian politics. The fundamentalist Islamic party PAS (Parti Islam se-
Malaysia) has a policy aim to install an Islamic government in Malaysia. However, since it has teamed up with
the PKR and DAP in the PR opposition alliance it has toned down this message and made a greater effort to reach
out to non-Malays.
In an effort to outflank PAS's religious credentials, UMNO has from its dominant position with the BN been
inching Malaysia closer to becoming a more conservative Islamic state. Some local authorities have tried to ban
or restrict dog ownership (conservative Muslims see dogs as unclean) and prosecute couples for holding hands or
kissing in public. There was a move for policewomen, regardless of their religion, to wear the
tudong
(headscarf)
at official parades. There have also been several high-profile demolitions of non-Muslim religious buildings (in-
cluding a couple of 19th-century Hindu temples) for allegedly not having proper planning permission.
Islamic Festivals
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Ramadan
The highpoint of the Islamic festival calendar, Ramadan is when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It
always occurs in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and lasts between 29 and 30 days, based on sightings of the
moon. Fifteen days before the start of Ramadan, on Nisfu Night, it is believed the souls of the dead visit their homes. On
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Grandeur), during Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the arrival of the Quran on earth, before its rev-
elation by the Prophet Mohammed.
»
Hari Raya Puasa
(also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri) marks the end of the month-long fast, with two days of
joyful celebration and feasting - this is
the
major holiday of the Muslim calendar. The start of Ramadan moves forward
11 days every year in line with the Muslim lunar calendar.
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Mawlid al-Nabi
Usually in March and celebrating the birth of the Prophet Mohammed.
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Hari Raya Haji
A two-day festival usually in November marking the successful completion of the hajj - the pil-
grimage to Mecca - and commemorating the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (the biblical Abraham) to sacrifice his
son. Many shops, offices and tourist attractions close and locals consume large amounts of cakes and sweets.
»
Awal Muharram
The Muslim New Year which falls in November or December.
Key Beliefs & Practices
Most Malaysian Muslims are Sunnis, but all Muslims share a common belief in the Five
Pillars of Islam:
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Shahadah (the declaration of faith)
'There is no God but Allah; Mohammed is his Prophet.'
