Pesta Kaul Mukah Antara Adat dan Agama: Analisis Menurut Perspektif Pengajian Islam dan Pemikiran Kontemporari

Abstract

The Kaul Festival is a traditional celebration of the Melanau community in Mukah, Sarawak, symbolising gratitude, communal solidarity, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Historically, the festival was associated with ritual practices rooted in pre-Islamic beliefs, including offerings to supernatural entities believed to govern nature and the sea. With the spread of Islam among the Melanau community, many ritual elements have undergone significant transformation, while the festival continues to be promoted as a cultural tourism event. This development raises important questions regarding the relationship between cultural preservation and Islamic principles, particularly in matters concerning aqidah, ?urf (custom), and maqa?id al-shariah. This conceptual study analyses the Kaul Festival through the framework of Islamic Studies and Contemporary Thought by examining historical records, scholarly literature, Islamic legal principles, and official documents. Employing qualitative library research and content analysis, the study finds that Islam recognises local customs provided they do not contradict the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the objectives of Islamic law. Cultural expressions such as traditional games, arts, cuisine, and communal gatherings may therefore be maintained as legitimate cultural heritage, whereas ritual practices involving superstitious beliefs or acts that compromise Islamic monotheism require critical reassessment. The study proposes a contextual approach that balances cultural preservation with the protection of Islamic faith, contributing to contemporary discourse on the Islamisation of indigenous traditions in multicultural societies.