MYSTICAL ELEMENTS AND WORSHIP AMONG MALAY COMMUNITY IN PULAU BESAR, MELAKA

Pulau besar is an inhabited island located in melaka. the island was founded since the era of the malacca sultanate and many historical events occurred. the presence of famous scholars around the 15th century to spread islam. they are portrayed as a wali allah, worthy of respect and adoration due to his high position from the sight of god. ulama’s tomb relics and his followers are said to adore pulau besar with positive things. it gives a thousand benefits to the residents and visitors who came to this island. therefore, pulau besar is considered as sacred due to superstitious properties such as to cure diseases, purify the heart and fulfil the wishes of visitors. normally, the malay community in melaka will visit some of the places such as grave yard, caves, trees and boulders to pray, wishes, fulfil vows, and spiritual treatment sessions on the island. the effects of the influence of animism and hindu-buddhism inherited from previous ancestors have been practiced since time immemorial. however, the community began to adjust its practices to suit the religion of islam as soon as it was introduced in the malay world. the objective of study is to identify the mystical elements and worship among malay community in pulau besar. study has applied method of documentation and observation in order to identify worship practices among the visitors in pulau besar. based on the study, some pre-islamic practices are still followed and became as an important ritual ceremony in pulau besar which is against the guidelines as regulated by the islamic religious council of melaka (maim).