Chinese Muslims and Their Non-Muslim Families on Muamalat Fiqh   Co-Existence (Ta’ayush)

Norhana Abdullah @ Siew Boey Ng; Azarudin Awang; Azman Che Mat

doi:10.7187/GJATSI072024-4

Authors

Norhana Abdullah @ Siew Boey Ng Institute Islam Hadhari, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Azarudin Awang Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Terengganu, Kampus Dungun, Sura Hujung 23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia 
Azman Che Mat Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Terengganu, Kampus Dungun, Sura Hujung 23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7187/GJATSI072024-4

Keywords:

Fiqh al-Ta’ayush, Muslim Converts, Chinese, Bridge

Abstract

Chinese Muslim converts in Malaysia often face dual rejection, viewed as traitors by their Chinese families and as outsiders by the Muslim communities. This study examines how these individuals navigate family conflicts while balancing their religious beliefs with Chinese Cultural heritage. Through qualitative semi structured interviews with 15 Chinese Muslims, three key findings emerged. Firstly, the Chinese Muslims feel disconnected from their Chinese original community due to their new identity, Secondly, they strive to preserve their Chinese cultural heritage while embracing their Muslim identity. Thirdly, they constantly negotiate their ethnic and religious identities especially with their non-Muslim families. Despite these challenges, the Chinese Muslims play a vital role as cultural bridges fostering understanding between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities. This implication is significant as their efforts align with the Islamic concept of Figh al ta’Ayush (peaceful co-existence), contributing to social harmony. This study concludes that Chinese Muslims while facing identity issues, significantly contribute to intercommunal understanding. Future studies could explore Chinese Muslim parents’ perception of Islam and their reasons for rejecting their children's conversion, proving further insights into these complex cultural dynamics.

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