Dayak Muslims

Dayak Muslims, or also referred to as Islamized Dayaks, is a term used to describe the Dayak (indigenous people of central and southern Kalimantan-origin) who have adopted Islam as their religion. Historically, the Dayaks were known for their diverse traditional folk belief systems, but the introduction and spread of Islamism in their native Dayak region have led to the emergence of a distinct group within the Dayak community. Most of the Dayak Muslims are part of the Coastal Dayaks, who resided in coastal regions.

The adoption of Islam has not only influenced their religious practices but has also brought significant changes to their native cultural Dayak traditions (and linguistic) identity. Over time, Islamic teachings and traditions have integrated into the native Dayak way of life, creating unique cultural traits that set Dayak Muslims apart from their non-Muslim counterparts. This transformation has resulted in a distinct subculture within the broader Dayak population, reflecting the blending of indigenous traditions with Islamic influences.

History

The history of Dayak Muslims, or Islamized Dayaks, is closely tied to the spread of Islam in Indonesia. Historically, the Dayaks were predominantly animists, practicing traditional beliefs deeply rooted in nature and ancestral worship. However, the arrival of Islamic traders and missionaries in the region brought significant changes to their cultural and religious practices.

Early Islamic Influences

Islam began to spread in Kalimantan through trade routes connecting the island to Java, and other parts of the Indonesian islands. As early as the 13th century, Muslim traders from regions such as Madura, Central Java (Banjarnegara), Middle East (Hadramaut), and Persia (Iran) began interacting with local Dayak communities. These interactions were primarily economic but gradually extended to religious and cultural exchanges. Coastal regions, where trade activity was most concentrated, became the first areas to embrace Islam.

Conversion and coastal influence

By the 15th and 16th centuries, the establishment of Arab-influenced monarch system (sultanates), such as the Sultanate of Banjar in southern Kalimantan, played a pivotal role in promoting Islam among the indigenous Dayaks; the Banjar Sultanate actively engaged in converting local Dayak populations to Islam. The Coastal Dayaks, due to their proximity to these centers of Islamic influence, were among the first to convert.

Conversion to Islam often occurred through intermarriages, trade relationships, and the influence of Islamic scholars and missionaries. The process was gradual, and Islamic practices were sometimes blended with indigenous traditions, creating a syncretic culture unique to the Dayak Muslims.

Formation of a distinct identity

The adoption of Islam significantly altered the cultural and linguistic identity of the Dayak Muslims. Islamic teachings reshaped their social structures, rituals, and daily practices. For instance, Islamic values replaced traditional animist rituals, and Arabic (as well as Persian) loanwords entered their Dayak languages. These changes led to the emergence of a distinct Muslim Dayak identity, differentiating them from their non-Muslim counterparts, who retained animist or Kaharingan beliefs.

Modern Dayak Muslims

Today, the Dayak Muslims primarily reside in coastal and riverine areas of Kalimantan. While they share some cultural elements with other Dayak groups, their Islamic faith and associated customs set them apart. Despite the differences, they are still legally recognized by the Indonesian government as part of the broader Dayak group, contributing to the diversity of the Dayak people as a whole.

The history of Dayak Muslims reflects the dynamic interactions between local traditions and external influences, illustrating how religious and cultural identities evolve over time through trade, migration, and social exchange.

Dayak Muslims’ groups

• Bakumpai Dayaks, originally part of the Ngaju Dayaks, native to the riverine area of Barito.
• Banjar Dayaks, originally part of the Meratus Dayaks, native to the Banjar Region in southern Kalimantan.
• Bulungan Dayaks, originally part of Kayan Dayaks, native to the Bulungan regencial region in northeastern Kalimantan.
• Kutai Dayaks, originally part of the Ot Danum Dayaks, native to the riverine area of Mahakam.
• Mempawah Dayaks, originally part of the Kanayatn Dayaks, native to the Mempawah regencial region of western Kalimantan.
• Paser Dayaks, originally part of the Benuaq Dayaks, native to the Paser regencial region of eastern Kalimantan.
• Tidung Dayaks, originally part of the Apo Kayan Dayaks (originated from Kayan River), native to the Tana Tidung in eastern Kalimantan.

See also

• Batak Muslims
• Arab Muslims

References

• Taufik, Muhammad (2022). "Penentuan Hari Baik dalam Pernikahan Masyarakat Muslim Dayak Ngaju di Kota Palangka Raya" [Auspicious Day Determination of the Ngaju Dayak Muslims' Wedding in Palangka Raya City]. IAIN Palangkaraya (in Indonesian).