Textual exegesis of Malay translations of Arabic Hadith text as toolsteaching in social and religious

Abstract

This article identifies that in social and religious discourse in Malaysia the use of Hadith texts (tradition meaning a report of the teachings, deeds and sayings of Mohamad p.b.u.h) serves social and political as well as religious practical teaching. It also identifies that the development of the Hadith in Malaysia and its significance for Malay Muslims was signified by several issues raised by Malay religious scholars. This includes the consciousness and critique of Malay Muslims on the misconduct in their lives, as well as the national awakening particularly since the introduction into Malaysia of the twentieth century ‘reformist’ movement, serious polemics have arisen among Malay scholars between Youth Group (Kaum Muda) and Old Group (Kaum Tua).