Document Type
Conference Item
Publication Date
1-1-2006
Abstract
Most Arabs who are settled in Malaysia today trace their roots from Hadhramaut, a piece of land situated at the southern extremity of the Arabian Peninsula.l Arabs of whatever origin, at least until recently, however, were perceived by Malays as the descendants of the Prophet, a genealogical link which elevated them to a noble ancestry, supernatural powers and an inherited missionary role.2 With the title Sayyid or Shaykh added to their names, they reaffirmed their distinguished status which gained them a special respect as direct inheritors of the wisdom of Islam and possessors of an unexampled piety and religious merit.3 The most effectual factor in the Malays' respect for the Arabs, however, stemmed from the feeling of indebtedness to the community which had contributed to and influenced the development of their history and civilization which was brought about by the process of Islamisation. As for the Arabs, the authority and respect they enjoyed were also contributed to by their hard work, sincerity and commitment to bringing about social change in the Malay community, and their capability of adapting themselves well to the society.4 Compared to the Chinese or the Indians, who also began to migrate to Malaya in the late nineteenth and early century, the Arabs were relatively prominent in the historical development of the Malay States during this period, looking at their various aspects of contribution. Arab religious scholars, especially their first few generations, were a prominent feature in Malay life, as were Arab entrepreneurs.5 They were also prominent for their role, since the early days of their presence, in the politics and administration of the Malay states.
Keywords
Arabs migration, Islamisation, Civilization, Hadhramaut, Malay states
Divisions
arts
Event Title
World History Association 15th Annual International Conference
Event Location
California State University, Long Beach, California, Los Angeles, USA
Event Dates
22-25 June 2006
Event Type
conference
Additional Information
Conference paper