The Harmony of Custom and Religion in the Riau Malay Tradition as a Model of Religious Moderation

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Published: Mar 15, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15642/religio.v16i1.4010
Keywords:
Custom; Local wisdom; Malay tradition; Religious moderation.

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Khairiah Khairiah
Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau
Annisa Darma Yanti
Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau

Abstract

This study examines the harmony between custom and religion in Malay tradition as a model of religious moderation based on local wisdom. The principle of “custom is based on sharia, and sharia is based on the Quran” reflects the dialogical relationship between Islamic values and cultural practices. Nevertheless, globalization and social change pose challenges to the sustainability of this relationship. This study aims to analyze the form of harmony of custom and religion and its potential as a model of religious moderation in Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative approach through library research with descriptive-analytical methods. The results show that the harmony of custom and religion is a dynamic process that is constantly being negotiated. This harmony is reflected in practices such as deliberation, kenduri (communal gathering), and mutual cooperation, which serve to build social cohesion, instill moral values, and resolve conflicts. The values of balance, tolerance, and solidarity within these practices align with the principles of religious moderation. Nevertheless, tensions also arise due to differences in religious interpretation and the influence of modernization. This research confirms that religious moderation is a contextual social construct, so that Malay tradition is relevant as an adaptive model of moderation in a multicultural society.

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How to Cite
Khairiah, K., & Yanti, A. D. (2026). The Harmony of Custom and Religion in the Riau Malay Tradition as a Model of Religious Moderation. Religió Jurnal Studi Agama-Agama, 16(1), 89–111. https://doi.org/10.15642/religio.v16i1.4010
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Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026): March
Section
Articles
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© The Author(s). Published by Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Philosophy, Sunan Ampel State Islamic University Surabaya, Indonesia.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).

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