The Position and Contribution of The Ulama within The Islah Movement in Pre-Independence Malaya

Abstract

The ulama, scholars, or intelligentsias involved in the reformation movement (Islah movement) in Malaya were better known as the Kaum Muda. The emergence of the Islah movement in early 20^th century Malaya had challenged the status quo of the existing religious and ruling systems. The reformists were met with scepticism from certain members of the community due to their controversial approach on a few issues such as fiqh. Members of the Kaum Muda did not conform to the Shafi’i madhhab, which is followed by most Muslims in Malaya and the Malay Archipelago. Thus, this study presents a qualitative-based method through data collection and past studies. Finding research look the emergence and subsequent expansion of the reformation movement had given rise to major conflict between the two ideologies in Malaya which are the Kaum Tua and Kaum Muda. Amidst controversy, the contributions of these two groups were stifled and never properly acknowledged. Therefore, this article aims to discuss the role of the Islah movement towards the Malayan society by analysing its contributions towards the long-term development of the community in Malaya.