Spiritual and mystical rituals in Persatuan Silat Cekak Malaysia (PSSCM): an introduction

• Main Authors: Engku Ahmad Zaki, Engku Alwi, Tengku Fatimah Muliana, Tengku Muda, Mohd Miqdad, Aswad Ahmad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: B Philosophy (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/6992/1/FH02-FKI-20-39568.pdf; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/6992/
• Institution: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin

Spiritual and mystical rituals are not alienated in the Malay community. In fact, there are many forms of spiritual and mystical rituals which are abiding and unabiding to the Islamic law. As rituals in silat also embrace certain spiritual and mystical elements that are recommended by the silat associations, a specific study on this matter is crucial. This article intends to explore the concept of spiritual and mystical rituals practiced in Malay martial arts (Silat), specifically in Persatuan Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia (PSSCM). This qualitative study is developed based on library research data. The study finds that the spiritual and mystical rituals in PSSCM are unique and distinctively based on the traditional method passed-down by all the Guru Utama. The study yields that there are no element of mysticism which is inconsistent to the Islamic principles in the Malay silat rituals. Moreover, the rituals are practiced with the aim of preserving and safeguarding the religion of Islam, soul, intellect, descendent and properties which are in line with the maqasid syariah.