Exploring Minority Communities: A Study of Chinese and Siamese Temples in Pasir Mas, Kelantan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31436/alitqan.v10i1.310Keywords:
Buddhism, Taoism, Theravada Buddhism, Pasir Mas, Mahayana Buddhism.Abstract
This study explores Taoist and Buddhist temples in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, focusing on how minority communities practice their faith and preserve cultural identities within a Muslim-majority society. It examines their harmonious coexistence with the Malay Muslim majority while maintaining religious traditions. The research investigates the history and development of these temples and their role in social, educational, and cultural life. Understanding these religious practices fosters tolerance and reduces prejudice in a multicultural society. A qualitative approach is adopted, incorporating fieldwork, interviews with twenty religious leaders, local authorities, and community members, alongside secondary sources. Findings reveal that the Chinese and Siamese communities enjoy religious freedom and contribute to mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The study concludes that shared universal values between Islam, Taoism, and Buddhism, along with a supportive constitutional framework, play a critical role in fostering regional interreligious harmony. These insights offer valuable implications for promoting interfaith understanding and social cohesion in multicultural societies.
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Interviewed with Ah Hwat on 30th August 2024 at the construction site of the temple of Persatuan Penganut Tao Jee Ong Kg Kasar.
Interviewed with Ah Lai Pramuai on 29th July 2024 at Wat Uttamaram.
Interviewed with Ah Lip @ Pak Chu Lip on 13th August 2024 at Kuan Yin.
Interviewed with Ba Gau Tian on 5th August 2024 at Samnaksong Sukvikcha Vanaram.
Interviewed with Chan Siew Nia on 9th August 2024 at Tiu Kong Sen Kun.
Interviewed with Eiap Ming on 9th August 2024 and on 16th August 2024 at Wat Chinpradittharam.
Interviewed with Eric Aramboy on 22nd October 2024 at Wat Uttamaram.
Interviewed with Gan Thuan Bun on 29th August 2024 at the construction site of the temple of Persatuan Penganut Tao Jee Ong Kg Kasar.
Interviewed with Owee Ching Lyu @ Pak Chu Awe on 9th August 2024 at Wat Chinpradittharam.
Interviewed with Owi Ten Tian on 30th July 2024 at Tir Kun.
Interviewed with Rajoo Sengkoden on 23rd August 2024 at Wat Khosakaram.
Interviewed with Tan on 30th August 2024 at the construction site of the temple of Persatuan Penganut Tao Jee Ong Kg Kasar.
Interviewed with Tan Ah Wang on 5th August 2024 at Samnaksong Sukvikcha Vanaram.
Interviewed with Tan Lian Yien on 9th August 2024 at Tiu Kong Sen Kun.
Interviewed with Teng Keong Loong @ Tok Lung on 8th August 2024 at Kampung Tendong.
Interviewed with Wee Eh Mek on 9th August 2024 at Wat Chinpradittharam.
Interviewed with Yeap Kway Theng on 2nd August 2024 at Tin Hu Keng.
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