Malay Court Religion, Culture and Language

By Peter G Riddell

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the rich spiritual and cultural tapestry of 17th-century Southeast Asian Islam through an examination of two pioneering Quranic commentaries from the Sultanate of Aceh. Peter G. Riddell presents a comprehensive analysis of how Islamic teachings were interpreted and understood within the unique context of Malay court society, revealing the intricate connections between religious scholarship, political power, and cultural identity.

The work centers on detailed translations and analysis of commentaries on Sura 18 of the Quran, known as al-Kahf (The Cave), offering readers insight into how early Malay scholars approached sacred text interpretation. Riddell demonstrates how the social, political, and religious dynamics of the Acehnese court influenced these theological works, providing a window into the lived experience of Islam in this historically significant region.

Through careful examination of original Jawi Malay texts alongside English translations, this study illuminates the sophisticated intellectual tradition that emerged when Islamic scholarship encountered Malay cultural frameworks. The author reveals how these early commentaries reflect not merely academic exercises, but vibrant expressions of faith shaped by local circumstances and royal patronage.

For those interested in understanding how spiritual traditions adapt and flourish across different cultures, this work offers valuable perspectives on the dynamic relationship between religious interpretation, cultural context, and historical circumstance in the development of Islamic thought in Southeast Asia.