Practices and Beliefs and The Level of Understanding about Superstitions Related to Shamans Among Malay Women

Abstract

Various tips and customs have long existed and are practiced in the life of the Malay community in Malaysia. Because of that, the identity of the Malays in the past held fast to traditional medicine from shamans, charmers, and village midwives. They are individuals who will be consulted by the village community if there are any problems related to interference from the supernatural. Islam explains that all forms of unseen things are under the authority of Allah S.W.T. This paper aims to identify practices and superstitious beliefs related to shamans as well as assess the level of understanding of pregnant and given birth Malay women about practices and superstitious beliefs related to shamans. The main method used in this study is questionnaire (quantitative with yes and no question). Non-participant observation was also conducted as triangulation. The respondents consisted of 45 Malay women who had been pregnant and given birth and lived in a village in Central Melaka. Data analysis using the percentage method through Microsoft Excel software by submitting a questionnaire on practices and superstitions related to shamans whether they have ever performed or never performed to Malay women who have been pregnant and given birth. Findings show that there are 7 practices and superstitions of Malay women pregnant and giving birth related to shamans. The practice and belief of drinking washing water that has been conjured by a shaman with the aim of facilitating the delivery process shows the highest percentage of 100 percent while the practice and belief of pregnant women about baby shower shows the lowest percentage of 6.7 percent. In addition, pregnant and given birth mothers' understanding of superstitious practices against shamans is at a moderate level. The highest mean value of 4.75 refers to the respondent understanding that superstitious acts against shamans are included in major sins and shirk to God while the lowest mean value of 1.43 refers to the statement I understand all superstitious practices related to shamans and have never done it. In conclusion, the practices and superstitious beliefs related to shamans should be avoided because they lead to the corruption of faith, great sin, associating with God and being thrown into hell in the afterlife if they do not repent while in this world.