Page 902 - Proceedings Collega2023
P. 902
Huruf
No Surah Nama Surah Kod Jawi
Jawi
Surah 30 )مو ّ ﺮلا ةرﻮس( موﺮلا ي Tanda-tanda kejayaan
Surah 31 )نﺎمقل ةرﻮس( نﺎمقل ڽ Mentauhidkan kejayaan sistem
rangkaian
Results and Discussions
Relationship of Islamic values with traditional Malay wood carving
Based on a review of previous studies, there is evidence that highlights the relationship between
Islamic values and traditional Malay wood carving. Mohd Din et al. (2022, p. 56) state that "in Malay
culture, faith and religion are inseparable, influencing their way of life and customs. Islam serves as a
foundation for the development of traditional Malay crafts." This statement identifies three key subjects:
Islam, Malay society, and traditional Malay crafts.
Firstly, interest in traditional Malay wood carvings had already grown in Malay society even before
the arrival of Islam. However, with the introduction of Islam and its teachings through the al-Quran and
as-Sunnah, these carvings were further influenced and elevated. Islamic teachings have had a significant
impact on the practices, culture, and beliefs of Malay society, redirecting the traditional carvings towards
Islamic principles. Over time, these carvings have undergone various developments to align with Islamic
teachings (Rashidi et al., 2021) bringing the spirit of Islam to life within Malay society.
Secondly, in this context, Malay society can be understood as comprising traditional Malay
artisans, such as wood carvers, and other members of society who engage with their art. Despite the deep-
rooted pre-Islamic beliefs and culture in Malay society, these traditional artisans and carvers embody the
spirit of Islam in their artworks. Consequently, their religious beliefs influence their art, which serves as a
means for Malay society to learn about Islam and Allah SWT (Mohd Razali & Maharimi, 2021).
Furthermore, Malay society readily embraces anything that embodies Islamic values as a way of life (Mohd
Din et al., 2022). Therefore, their creations are not arbitrary; rather, they reflect Islamic values.
Thirdly, traditional Malay wood carvings are easily identifiable by their intricate designs, which
beautifully incorporate Islamic values (Abu Hassan et al., 2016). Moreover, Malay society openly embraces
wood carvings that not only showcase Islamic values but also incorporate elements of nature, as these
carvings resonate with their cultural beliefs (Othman & Abdul Majid, 2017). The traditional arts, such as
carvings, have significant role in relating Malay society to their everyday lives. Additionally, Mohd Sabrizaa
(2009) highlights that the uniqueness of these carvings stems from the Malay people's religious devotion
to Islam (Mohd Razali & Maharimi, 2021).
On balance, when considering the three main subjects mentioned above, it can be observed that
Islam peacefully entered Malay society while traditional arts and culture underwent evolutionary changes.
As a result, the Malay society actively embraced Islamic teachings and wisdom. The traditional Malay wood
carvings serve the purpose of promoting humanity within the Malay society by representing their beliefs.
These carvings reflect the values deeply embedded in Malay society, making them unique (Shuaib &
Enoch, 2013), as noted by Ezrin (1997). Furthermore, Basaree (2003) has emphasised that the foundations
International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 889 -

