RETURN TO THE ALMIGHTY: DOCUMENTING ISLAMIC AWARENESS AND THE SPIRITUAL MIGRATION OF MALAYSIAN ARTISTS
Mashitah Sulaiman1*, Mohd Nazir Ahmad2
1(Dr.) Center for Core Studies & Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Bandar Baru Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, MALAYSIA, mashitah@usim.edu.my/ +60 13-3911694
2(Mr.) Faculty of Information Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor, MALAYSIA, mnazir794@salam.uitm.edu.my/ +60 13-3614665
*Corresponding author
Abstract
Since 1970s, Islamic Resurgence in Malaysia which initially emerges in the urban city of Kuala Lumpur has a significant impact on the Malay Muslims at every angle of their life, physically and spiritually, individually and socially. The impact of the Islamic Resurgence has been deep-rooted in the Malays at all levels of the society. Participation of the Malay middle class in the Islamic Resurgence was significantly intensified which then helps to upsurge Islamic consciousness in the society, particularly in the urban cities of Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur. This study aims to analyze the phenomenon of the spiritual migration of the Malay Muslim artists to practice Islamic way of life and to study their commitment on the Islamic teaching based on their convictions. This study also analyzes factors that contribute to Islamic awareness among the Malay Muslim artists in Malaysia and its impacts on their life. A qualitative approach is used for this multidisciplinary historical and socio-religious research. Content analysis of the primary data, such as interviews and newspaper, and also the secondary data, for example magazine and television programs was used to critically analyze the Malay Muslim artists’ transformation to practice and return to Islamic teaching. The study showed significant changes or hijrah in these so-called “Artis Berhijrah” (the migrated artists) and “the Instant Ustaz or Ustazah” groups in which they present Islam in the form of redefining and representing the contemporary Muslim arts that are harmonized with the Islamic principles. The challenges and dilemmas after the hijrah of the Malay Muslim artists have also been described to reveal the real situation that they are facing, despite the sweet memories of their spiritual experiences.
| FULL TEXT PDF |  |