What Did the Malay Believe in Before Islam? Exploring Malay Deities Pagan Practices
Introduction
Before the arrival of Islam, the Malay Peninsula and the archipelagic regions were immersed in a rich tapestry of religious beliefs and practices that varied between the nobility and the common populace. This article delves into the pre-Islamic beliefs of the Malay people, focusing on their deities and spiritual practices, which are rooted in local animism and influence from Hindu-Buddhist traditions.
The Dominance of Dharmic Religions
Upon the discovery of early Southeast Asian history, it becomes evident that the prevalent religions among the nobility were Dharmic—that is, Hinduism and Buddhism. However, the native commoners, many of whom lived in rural and mountainous areas, continued to practice a form of indigenous animism and Paganism. This religion was characterized by the belief in a pantheon of deities known as Hiyangs and the worship of spirits residing in natural elements and objects.
The Role of Traditional Healers and Deities
Traditional healers such as bomohs and Pawangs played important roles in their communities, combining spiritual rituals with herbal medicine to treat illnesses and maintain balance in the spirit world. These practitioners were often sought after for their ability to communicate with Penunggus, the tutelary deities present in extraordinary locations, and Semangats, the souls of living beings within inanimate objects such as Semangat Besi (soul of iron) and Semangat Padi (soul of rice).
The Pre-Islamic Pantheon of Deities
The pre-Islamic Malays had a complex pantheon of deities that integrated local and foreign mythologies. One story traces the origins of a Proto-Malay tribe to Mertang, the first magician, born to a female figure named "Drop of Water" and a male figure named "Clod of Earth." In the Moluccas, the earth was worshipped as a female deity, symbolically impregnated by the Lord Sun during the west monsoon, leading to the birth of life.
In Celebes, the Torajans revered two supreme powers, the Man and the Maiden, representing the sun and the earth. The Dayaks of Borneo also recognized the primordial relationship between the sun and earth as the creators of the world. Through the study of early cults, it emerges that the notion of a sky-god evolved over time, giving way to deities of the sun, moon, and stars.
Examples of deities with Indonesian names, such as Mambang, were incorporated into the Malay Hindu pantheon. Some of these deities, like the spirits Mambang of banks or beaches, Mambang of headlands, and Mambang of tidewaters and currents, have persisted under Islam as humble genies, indicating a blend of local and foreign spiritual beliefs.
The Influence of Sky-Gods and Air Deities
It is debated whether the primitive Malays, like the populations of Madagascar and Celebes, believed in four air gods responsible for the quarters of the globe. In Bali, Indian influence bestowed these air gods Hindu names, and some are still worshipped as forms of Siva. However, a Malay sailor invoking the Raja of the Wind might have been summoning a local spirit rather than the Hindu deity Vayu, or even the Prophet Solomon, who was granted dominion over the breezes of heaven by Allah.
Conclusion
The religious landscape of the Malay people before the embrace of Islam was a dynamic and multifaceted one. Rooted in animism and intertwined with Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, their understanding of deities like Mertang, the Man, and the Maiden was transformed and integrated across various ethnic groups. This rich spiritual history continues to influence modern Malay culture and practices, highlighting the enduring legacy of their ancient spiritual traditions.