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Malays beliefs

Most of the Malays are Muslims


Islam is the official religion of Malaysia (61 percent of the population is Muslim). Religion often follows ethnic lines, with most Muslims being Malays. The code of Islam enforced is Sunni. Islam was introduced by traders, becoming firmly established in the 15th century. Any teaching which deviates from the official Sunni code is illegal

Malays customs

Traditional attire
Dictated by Islamic dress code For men Baju Melayu For women Baju Kurung, Baju Kebaya and scarf (head-covers)

1) Children or younger people are strictly bound by custom to look upon their parents with respect.
Unquestioned loyalty and total obedience Demonstrated through daily conduct Parents have different expectations for their sons and daughters

2) Code of conduct beyond the family to recognise certain relationship between families in same neighbourhood
Make a social visit to the new household The spirit of mutual help (gotong-royong)
Can lighten the burden upon the family that is not very well off

3) When paying someone a visit


Stop on the open ground at the bottom of the steps and greet Assalamualaikum Footwear is to be left outside. Handshaking usually done using both hands; gentler grip of hands and less vigorously shake. The younger ones bow down during the handshake and kisses the upper side of the right hand of the older person.

4) The use of right hand for eating


All good acts are to be done using the right hand. If someone gives or receives something using the left hand, he/she is considered as rude. The pointing action is also done using the right hand.

5) Touching
Frowns upon physical contact between members of opposite sex, except in certain specific situation and depending on the relationship between the parties involved and also the age differences.

Malays wedding ceremony

Betrothal Pre-wedding
The pre-wedding involves a meeting between the bride's and the groom's parents to determine the dowry that is to be given to the bride, as well as the date and venue of the solemnization. This could take place as early as a year in advance so as to allow ample time for making arrangements. The wedding is usually held on one convenient weekend so as to accommodate relatives who live far away. Prior to the wedding, the berinai or henna application ceremony is held. Dye from henna leaves is used to decorate the brides palms and feet. This is believed to bring good luck, fertility and to ward off evil. The pelamin or raised dais will be beautifully decorated for this purpose.

Akad Nikah Solemnization


The focus of a Malay wedding and takes place on the eve of the wedding day Normally presided by a kadhi, a religious official A verbal and written contract is made between the bride's father or his representative (in this case the kadhi) and the groom, in the presence of two witnesses. This is done after both partners are asked separately if they consent to the marriage. A small sum of money called the mas kahwin seals the contract. The groom takes the following vow: "I accept... (bride's full name) hand in marriage, with the mas kahwin (state full amount) in cash."

The kadhi will then confirm with the witnesses that the vow was clearly heard, after which he will lead the congregation with a prayer to conclude the ceremony and ask for blessings from God. The mas kahwin and hantaran or dowry are different. The small sum of the mas kahwin encourages marriage even among the poor, while the hantaran is more customary and may go into thousands of dollars, consisting of gifts of clothes, toiletries and even prayer mats (to signify their adherence to the religion) presented in intricate boxes or forms known as gubahan.

Bersanding (Raja Sehari) The Celebration


The Bersanding ceremony is held on the wedding day, the next day. Guests are invited to a kenduri which is a feast prepared traditionally by manner of gotongroyong or cooperation among friends and relatives. The ceremony usually takes place in an open area of the village to accommodate large guest numbers. These days, it is becoming increasingly common for it to be held at hotels, void decks or in the common area of housing estates.

The arrival of the groom is heralded by the hadrah or tambourine troupe, consisting mostly of teenagers. They will beat the kompang or hand drums and sing Quranic verses and good wishes. The groom is often flanked by bunga manggar or palm blossoms carriers and a busload of relatives and friends. The mak andam or beautician, as well as members of the bride's family, will waylay the groom and ask for 'entrance fee'. Only when they are satisfied with the amount would they allow the groom to see his bride. After successfully overcoming the 'obstacles', the ceremony takes place.

The Bersanding or sitting in state ceremony consists of a pelamin or raised dais, prepared for the bride and groom, to represent their throne as they are treated as king and queen for the day. Relatives and guests who partake in this tepung tawar or blessing custom will anoint the couples palms with scented water, pandan potpourri and rice. These symbolize fertility.

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