[MS] Spiritual Development Through Martial Arts: Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia Perspective

Abstract

Spiritual development is a vital component in one’s behavior. It is closely associted to religion and a society’s culture in which is doomed in various social and moral issues at present. There are numerous ways to develop and instill spiritual aspects in todays generation. One of them is through martial arts that are famous among the Malays. Therefore, Persatuan Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia (PSSCM), a non-governmental organisation established more than 50 years ago is playing aggressive roles in assisting the goverment to curb the issue of identity among Malays. It is in line with its tagline which is “Silat Cekak Pada Zahirnya, Pengertian Gerak Pada Batinnya, Hendaklah Mahir Seluruh Anggota, Hendaklah Jujur Pada Jiwanya”. This research is conducted to study the continuous Islamic spiritual development from the perspective of practices and taboos in Persatuan Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia (PSSCM).  The qualitative method of the study uses documentation analysis. It can be concluded that the continuous Islamic spiritual aspect of a Muslim can be developed when the practices of Seni Silat Cekak Malaysia is fully adapted parallel with the Islamic teaching s well as the Malay culture.