P085 The Traditional Sarawak Malay Pre-Marital Practices as a Cultural Framework for Islamic Ta'aruf: Insights from Glimpses of Malay Life in Sarawak

Abstract

Marriage occupies a central position in Islam and the process of spouse selection is expected to be guided by principles that preserve dignity, family involvement and adherence to religious values. In contemporary Muslim discourse, ta'aruf is frequently promoted as an Islamic approach to pre-marital acquaintance and partner selection. However, limited attention has been given to traditional Malay customs that embody similar objectives. This conceptual paper examines traditional Sarawak Malay pre-marital practices documented in Maimunah Daud's Glimpses of Malay Life in Sarawak (1999) and explores their relevance as a cultural framework for Islamic ta'aruf. Employing document analysis and literature review, the study analyses practices such as matchmaking, kerisit kerunum, bertanya-tanya, bejarum-jarum, betekul, mereya, nyeruk tunang and berambeh rumah tunang. The discussion is further supported by Islamic sources from the Qur'an, Hadith and contemporary literature on ta'aruf. The findings suggest that these traditional practices functioned as mechanisms for information gathering, family participation, assessment of compatibility, declaration of marital intention and preparation for married life. Although developed within the local socio-cultural context of the Sarawak Malays, these customs demonstrate substantial alignment with the objectives of Islamic ta'aruf. The paper argues that traditional Sarawak Malay pre-marital practices may be understood as a culturally embedded framework that complements Islamic principles of marital preparation while contributing to the preservation of local heritage and Islamic family values. The study highlights the importance of appreciating indigenous cultural traditions that support religious teachings within contemporary Muslim societies.