Islamic Reform in Pre-Independence Malaysia: Revisiting the Stance of Selected Kaum Tua Ulama

Abstract

In pre-independence Malaysia, a wave of Islamic reform spearheaded by the Kaum Muda catalysed the spread of reformist ideas in the Malay Peninsula. Kaum Muda’s efforts to advocate for a purer form of Islam and foster societal progress elicited varied responses from the Kaum Tua ulama who had long held influence in the Malay Peninsula. While many studies have depicted the Kaum Tua as conservative, often opposing the reformist agenda of the Kaum Muda, this article seeks to explore the stances of five selected Kaum Tua ulama, namely Tok Kenali, Abdullah Fahim, Tuan Hussain Kedah, Idris al-Marbawi, and Muhammad Fadhlullah Suhaimi who held different stances on the Islamic
reform movement, despite being each being classified within the Kaum Tua camp. This qualitative study draws upon primary sources, including Kaum Tua writings featured in Pengasuh, as well as notable works such as al-Iqaz, Tanbih al-Ikhwan, Nizam al-Hayah, and Malaya dalam Bahaya. These texts were analysed using content analysis to interpret the Kaum Tua’s stances specifically their voice in navigating the Islamic reform waves from the early 20th century to the nation’s independence. The findings reveal that the five selected Kaum Tua ulama despite maintaining a conservative stance on religious matters, actively supported Malay socio-economic and political advancement — a position that parallels the reformist efforts of the Kaum Muda.