The Influence of Shi’ism on the Malay Muslims of Malaysia

This article aims to make a preliminary and general observation on some of theinfluences of Shi’ism on the Malay Muslims in Malaysia since post Iranian revolutionin 1979 onwards. This research emphasizes on the impact of the Iranian revolution in1979 on the Malay Muslim society of Malaysia and the effort of some to develop theShi’ite community in the Malay Sunnite majority. Cases in focus are in the field of education,social and politics. The researcher employed the qualitative method that includestextual analysis of the materials related to Shi’ism, interviews, and focus group discussions(FGD) with those who sympathize with the Shiite groups. Among the findings arethe Malay sect of Shi’ism emerged officially after the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Afterthe revolution, many Malay students were sent to pursue their studies at the Republic ofIran. This led to the formation of Malay Shi’ites organizations that went in line with theaspiration of the Iranian Revolution. It also to some extent influenced some of the socialactivities of Malay Muslims of Malaysia.