Succession, Preservation and Spread of Sufism in Thailand: Case Study of To-Kisaeh School of Qadiri Order

Abstract

There is ‘Sufi’s Trend (‘Saay Sufi’ in Thai)’ in the Islamic society of Thailand in addition to 2 major trends of ‘Traditional Trend (‘Saay Kao’ in Thai)’ and ‘New Trend (‘Saay May’ in Thai)’. It is said that Sufism played a certain role in the spread of Islam to Southeast Asia. However, the succession, preservation and spread of Sufism in Thailand has not been revealed enough.

This paper examines the succession, preservation and spread of Sufism in Thailand with the case of To-Kisaeh school of Qadiri order by focusing on elements of both saint worship and popular Islam which have not been noticed ever in the Festival of Beginning of the Month of Mawrid Navi. Many followers of To-Kisaeh school join the festival, pay a visit to shrine of To-Kisaeh and make a pray. It could be said from these religious practices of the followers that the elements of saint worship contribute to the succession and preservation of To-Kisaeh school. Also, appreciating a drum and a Krabii-Kraboon performances and sharing a meal, which are elements of popular Islam, strengthen followers’ relationship and sense of belongings as To-Kisaeh school’s followers. Thus, it can be said that the elements of popular Islam also contribute to the succession and preservation of the school. In addition, it could be said that elements of both saint worship and popular Islam have the potential to attract new followers.