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Marriage Customs of the Suluk Community from an Islamic Perspective: A Study in Lahad Datu, Sabah

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Among Muslim communities, debates frequently arise regarding the relationship between adat and syariah, often leading to polemics that necessitate further discussion to ensure that the customs being practiced are in accordance with Islamic teachings. This study focuses on the marriage customs of the Suluk community in Lahad Datu, Sabah. A portion of the Suluk population in Lahad Datu continues to preserve and uphold the authenticity of customs inherited from their ancestors, passing them down to the present alpha generation. The objective of this research is to analyse the marriage customs of the Suluk community from the perspective of Islam. In line with this, the study adopts a qualitative methodology through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and library research. Several main criteria were applied in the selection of informants, including that informants must be individuals well-versed in Suluk marriage customs and originate from the Suluk ethnic group in Lahad Datu, Sabah. The findings of the study reveal that certain elements within the marriage customs of the Suluk community conflict with Islamic teachings. These include practices such as malam berinai ceremonies that involve excessive entertainment, the performance of mandi adat, and traditional dances during celebratory events such as engagements and weddings. However, it is also acknowledged that some beliefs and practices within the Suluk community do not contradict Islamic principles.
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