The Processes of Sustaining Muslim Identities In The Multicultural Society of Isan

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the processes of sustaining Muslim identities in the multicultural society of Isan. In Isan, there are multiple cultural: Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, and Chinese coexist together. This research, thus, needed to explore three identities that influenced the process of sustaining Muslim identities in society: The Salah, The Zagat, and the way to promote good activities and prohibit harmful deeds. Additionally, the researchers examined interactions that impacted Muslim identities in the multicultural society of Isan. This research was conducted through constructive interviewing, participated and non-participated observation and literature review then analyzed using the concepts of Multicultural Society, Intercultural Communication, Muslim identities, the roles of social organizations, and concept of Wasatiyyah (Islamic Middle Way). The research concluded that processes of sustaining Muslim identities depended on three factors: individual, social organization, and social interaction. The individual was about how Muslims conduct themselves per their religious beliefs. Social organization was about vision, missions, and activities that facilitated the development of Muslim identities. Social interaction in Isan's multicultural society was classified into two dimensions: religious interaction and social-economic interaction between members of three religious groups.