The Contribution of Reformist Movement to the Development of Islamic Education in Malaya after Independence

Abstract

The scholars, intellectuals or the intelligentsia involved in the Islah efforts in Malaya were known as Kaum Muda or the reformist faction. The emergence of Islah movement in Malaya in the early 20 th century challenged the status quo and religious institutions as well as the existing government. Some Muslims were suspicious of the reformists' presence in the society. This is due to their controversial principles, especially in fiqh where the majority of Muslims in both Malaya and the Malay Archipelago were practitioners of the Shafi'i Mazhab. The development of this movement had provoked disputes between the two schools of thought of Kaum Tua and Kaum Muda. Such a controversial environment had rendered their contributions being unable to receive due recognition. Hence, this article will discuss some of the roles of the reformist movement by the reformist faction, by re-examining their contributions, particularly with regard to long-term contribution to the development of the community in Malaya.