The dispersal of the Malay was in progress by the fifth century A. D. when the Malay began to dominate local trade in southeastern Asia and long-distance trade between northwestern India and southern China. Their domination of sea trade continued until the 1500s and even into the European colonial period.
The most numerous Malay minorities live in Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and Thailand. There are smaller communities in Madagascar, Taiwan, Myanmar, Yemen, the United Kingdom, the southern Philippines, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
There is a strong sense of community among the Malay Muslim Diaspora. Many Malays in Saudi Arabia work for Islamic organizations. Others are serving in government posts working in embassies, consulates, tourism, and airline offices. They usually have their families with them. In general, courtesy is a very important aspect of Malay society. Most of their groups are loosely structured, their commitments are not strong, and loyalty to a group is not as important as being courteous. The "pure Malay" is considered to be kind towards women, children and animals; introspective, polite, slow to speak, passive, and indolent. Of course, there are many variations of what a "true Malay" is, depending on the countries in which they now live. Cleanliness is typically a feature of most Malay homes. As Muslims, they do not eat pork or drink alcohol. Most Malay families consist of a husband, his wife, and their children. In Malay society, marriage is expected of every person. According to Islamic law, a man may have as many as four wives. However, most marriages are monogamous (having only one wife). Although many marriages are arranged, the consent of both parties is required. There are no descent or kinship groups among the Malay.
Islam was brought to Malaysia by Arabic and Indian traders many centuries ago, and the Malay people have come to embrace and ardently follow the Islamic faith. This is being reinforced in today's world as the governments of Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are strengthening cultural and religious ties. Some are leaning towards Saudi Arabia's fundamentalist Wahhabi form of Islam. The Malay have early roots in Hinduism and traces of this can still be seen in certain aspects of their culture such as weddings. For instance, the bride and groom sit upon a platform for hours for the guests to admire like they do in Hindu weddings.
Although tools such as the Bible, evangelistic literature, the JESUS Film, and Christian broadcasts are available in the Malay language, few have accepted Jesus as Savior. There is a need for increased intercession and missionary efforts to see the Malay reached with the gospel.
Pray for spiritual hunger among Malay Muslims in Saudi Arabia that will lead them to seek and find the eternal blessings of Jesus Christ. Pray for believers who are filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit to go to them and share Christ until He is exalted among Malay Muslim families. Pray for a movement to Christ among Malay Muslims this decade.
Scripture Prayers for the Malay in Saudi Arabia.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
