PRESERVING CAPE HERITAGE AND CULTURE THROUGH EXPLORING VISUAL ARTS AND EDUCATION

Cape Malay Magic: Where Spice meets Spirituality

One of the first Through Your Lens features was by Waheedah Smith, who was the first to beautifully detail the Cape Malay heritage; its expansion from Cape Town through South Africa and emphasizing its expansion, culture and traditions. OCTH is honoured for Smith to be the first to write a piece for

THROUGH YOUR PEN

Waheedah Smith

3 min read

The distinction between culture and religion is a nuanced and complex topic that intersects various aspects of human society and identity. Both concepts are deeply intertwined yet distinct in their core definitions and implications.

When reading through ‘The Berghahn Journals’ (2022), it highlights that culture can be understood as the social behavior, norms, values, and customs that characterize a particular group or society. It encompasses a wide range of human activities and artifacts, including language, art, music, food, and social habits. Culture is dynamic and evolves over time, influenced by various factors such as geography, history, and social interactions. It is often seen as a collective heritage that provides a sense of identity and continuity to a community.

While both the Berghahn Journals (2022) and Oxford Academic (2009) state that religion, on the other hand, is typically defined as a system of beliefs, practices, and moral codes that relate humanity to spirituality and, often, to the supernatural. Religion provides a framework for understanding the world, the purpose of life, and the nature of the divine. It usually involves rituals, worship, and a community of believers who share common beliefs and practices.

But can the two coincide?

Religion can influence and be influenced by culture, but it maintains distinct characteristics centered around faith, sacred texts, and spiritual experiences. Religions often claim a divine origin and offer moral and ethical guidelines that their followers are expected to adhere to​. The interaction between culture and religion is significant. Religion can be a major component of a culture, influencing its values, customs, and social norms. Conversely, cultural context can shape the expression and practice of religion. Both are crucial in shaping human societies, but they operate in different realms of human experience: culture as a social construct and religion as a spiritual framework.

The Cape Malay community in South Africa represents a unique fusion of culture and religion, deeply intertwining Islamic practices with their cultural identity. Originating from Southeast Asia, particularly from Indonesia and Malaysia, the Cape Malay people were brought to the Cape Colony as slaves and political exiles by the Dutch during the 17th and 18th centuries. This historical migration laid the foundation for the development of a distinct cultural and religious identity.

The Cape Malay community is predominantly Muslim, and Islam plays a central role in their daily lives. Religious practices such as daily prayers (Salah), fasting during Ramadan, and the celebration of Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are integral to their cultural fabric. The community is known for its richly ornamented mosques, which serve not only as places of worship but also as centers for community gatherings and educational activities. The link between Cape Malay culture and Islamic practices is evident in the way religious beliefs and customs are seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

When looking at specific customs or traditions of the Cape Malay community, you will find an enthusiastic display and participation in Islamically spiritual practices such as their weekly Thursday gadaats/thikr, the salawaat at Jumu’ah, the Ashraqal as the bride gets taken away, the salaam to the hujaaj, and many more. Many have testified to the obvious presence of Islam in these communities, not only by the practices of the community but also by the members themselves. A friend of mine from Pakistan made me feel so proud to be Cape Malay when he said: “Walking in their homes feels like I’m walking into a home that Allah visits often. Those people are the Awliya (friends) of Allah. They are soooo welcoming and friendly and partake in so much sunnah and have so much Deen in their hearts and homes…”

It is evident that the Cape Malay community in South Africa exemplifies the close relationship between culture and religion, where Islamic practices are deeply embedded in their cultural identity. This interplay creates a vibrant and cohesive community that maintains its unique heritage while contributing to the broader multicultural landscape of South Africa.

By Waheedah Smith

Featured image supplied by Jameel Abrahams

References:

Berghahn Journals. (2022). "Culture and Religion in: Religion and Society Volume 13 Issue 1".

Oxford Academic. (2009). "Difference between Culture and Religion".


Copy QR Code to easily share the article