Olek Nabi: Music Ritual of Sufi Muslim in Middle Part of Thailand

Abstract

          This research aimed to study the cultural knowledge of Sufi Muslim music in the central region of Thailand by observing the Olek Nabi performance which is considered as a pivotal tool in explaining social and historical existence and cultural assimilation between music and religion in Thai society.

          The studies showed that Sheikh Muhammad Ali Shukri or Tokki Sae (1848-1932), the leader of the Sufi Muslim Qadiriyya, initiated the Olek Nabi performance for Maulid ceremony, held
annually on the 1st lunar day in the month of Rabi al-Awwal according to the Islamic calendar.

          Olek Nabi’ s lyric and melody were composed by Tuan Guru Ming bin Al Haji Abdullah Assiyami (Amin Toloyket).This performance is a form of original Malayu diaspora culture, blended with Thai culture by adjusting its melody but still maintaining Malay lyric basing on Barzanji nazam verses. Mixing both Malayu and Thai sound, this integration creates unique sound of Thai Muslim in central region of Thailand.

          In addition, it also displays acculturation between the Rebana drum and drum pattern of Pleng Phasa (Traditional Thai music based on foreign idioms) of Thai music. Current dynamic of the Olek Nabi derives perfect combination between religion and culture, considered as ethnical symbol of the bonding among Thai Malay Muslims in the central region who descended from Sufi Muslim Qadiriyya.