MUHAMMAD Ariff bin Ahmad (Haji) @ MAS
Communities of Singapore (Part 3),
Accession Number 000798
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 8
Total Reels
- Mohd Yussoff Ahmad
Interviewer
- 03:29:50
Total Running Time
- Malay
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Mar 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:50
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Custom and formality among Malays before and after advent of Islam. To avoid engaging a midwife at eleventh hour (bidan terjun), pregnant ladies normally retain a midwife. Lenggang perut ceremony in 7th month of pregnancy, first check up by midwife. Traditional treatment by midwife necessary though modern treatment could be better. Belief in polong (spirit in form of cricket) caused many to be cautious during pregnancy. Malay custom in line with religious teaching being observed, eg cleansing ceremony after birth (cuci lantai), shaving baby's hair (cukur rambut), etc. Their significance.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Mar 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:27
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Shaving baby's hair (cukur rambut) as religious observance, past and present. Benediction (doa selamat), feast (kenduri), circumcision (sunat). Normally, completion in Quran reading ceremony (khatam) followed by circumcision. Difference in present practice. Significance in paying visit to the sick. In old wedding custom, marriage determined by parents with criteria: background of bride's parents, bride's knowledge in religion and her complexion. Role of matchmaker.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Mar 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:53
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Parents had discussion with matchmaker whose report would be decisive. Further meeting by parents to fix date, dowry. Comparison between past and present wedding customs. In the past, for instance, representative of parents were well versed and good in choosing flowery phrases. Official engagement (menghantar tanda) and solemnizing marriage (majlis nikah) in past and present. Other traditional practice with cultural values and not against religion.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Mar 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:39
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Staining henna on palm, fingers, toes, etc custom (adat berinai) which included berinai curi, berinai kecil and berinai besar believed to be from Hindu custom. Doa selamat being included, made occasion Islamic. He emphasized, culture should only be observed when not contradictory to Islamic teaching. Spending lavishly for wedding and few others occasions prohibited by Islam. As life-style changed, he observed that such practice gradually diminish.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Mar 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:43
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*His opinion that Malays should retain cultural and traditional practice except those in contradiction with religious teaching. Nikah, bersanding and berinai with elements not against Islam should continue. Attending funeral, part of fardu kifayat (collective religious obligations); its cultural values. Reasons for placing coins on the dead's eyes, sharp instruments on his chest, and sprinkling pacai (scraped sandalwood) over the body. What visitors should observe when attending funeral.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 6 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Mar 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:50
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Some events in Muslim calender, like fasting month, paying fitrah (tithe) etc. Cultural values during Hari Raya celebration. House decoration, new clothes, cakes (ketupat, lemang, etc) and visiting relatives. Activities by youngsters lack of cultural values. Other events, such as Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Asyurah, Israk & Mikraj, Nisfu Sya'aban and Awal Muharram. Mandi Safar not observed any more.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 7 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Mar 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:14
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*More about Mandi Safar. People bathed to ward off curse. Camping along Malacca beach on the eve. In Singapore, Malays gathered at Katong Park, Changi and Botanic Garden like having picnic. It was a school holiday but withdrawn in 1950s, request made by Singapore Malay Teachers' Union. His opinion, Malay culture should be observed if not against religious teaching. He gave examples of practice acceptable to religion. Culture changed in accordance with time, man and place.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 8 of 8
Metadata
- 28 Mar 1987
Recording Date
- 00:06:14
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*His view on influential elements that might gradually impair Malay cultural values. Young generations should involve in Malay cultural organisations and activities. Thus their exposure in modern life would not lessen their cultural values.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
