Documenting Knowledge through Oral History: Islamic Awareness among the Malaysian Malays

The literature proposes that the participation among Malay middle income class in the Islamic Resurgence was significantly noticeable in helping the upsurge of Islamic consciousness in urban cities in Malaysia. How do they perceive this? How does the Malay middle income class obligate to Islamic teaching? This study aims to analyze the Malay middle income class'commitment to Islamic teaching based on their convictions and their participation in Islamic Resurgence and activities. Exploratory qualitative approach is used for this multidisciplinary historical and socio-religious research. Documentation of knowledge with five informants of the Malay middle income class was conducted through oral history. Samples were selected purposefully based on criterion sampling. The semistructured in-depth interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed through content and descriptive analyses. Data showed significant roles played by the Malay middle income class in Islamic activities led to the revival of Islamic Resurgence in the urban areas. In general, Islamic Resurgence contributes to positive impacts on the Malay Muslim middle income class' religious practices and commitments. The study indicated that the Islamic Resurgence contributes to the emergence of the great number of moderate Muslims and the progressive development of Islam in Malaysia. (C) 2016 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.uk