Muslim Merit-making in Thailand's Far-South

Description

This volume provides an ethnographic description of Muslim merit-making rhetoric, rituals and rationales in Thailand’s Malay far-south. This study is situated in Cabetigo, one of Pattani’s oldest and most important Malay communities that has been subjected to a range of Thai and Islamic influences over the last hundred years. The volume describes religious rhetoric related to merit-making being conducted in both Thai and Malay, that the spiritual currency of merit is generated through the performance of locally occurring Malay adat, and globally normative amal 'ibadat. Concerning the rationale for merit-making, merit-makers are motivated by both a desire to ensure their own comfort in the grave and personal vindication at judgment, as well as to transfer merit for those already in the grave, who are known to the merit-maker. While the rhetoric elements of Muslim merit-making reveal Thai influence, its ritual elements confirm the local impact of reformist activism. Front Matter....Pages i-xi Introduction....Pages 1-23 Indic, Islamic and Thai Influences....Pages 25-60 Religious, Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity....Pages 61-82 Thai and Malay Merit-Making Rhetoric....Pages 83-102 Potent Words and Sacred Duties....Pages 103-127 Sedekoh and Meritorious Smorgasbords....Pages 129-157 Ramadan Scales and Meccan Multiplications....Pages 159-183 Merit-Making Rationales and Motivations....Pages 185-203 Conclusion....Pages 205-210 Back Matter....Pages 211-235