Focus and Scope

Journal of Malay Islamic Studies (JMIS) is a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on interdisciplinary studies of Islam in the context of Malay society, with an emphasis on aspects of culture, civilization, history, politics, and economy in the Southeast Asian region and Islamic countries. This journal accepts original articles resulting from empirical research, theoretical analysis, and case studies that contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of Malay Islam in local, regional, and global frameworks.

1. Cultural Studies
JMIS emphasizes the dynamic interaction between Islamic values ​​and Malay culture, including traditional arts, literature, social norms, and identity transformation in the era of globalization. Research is primarily conducted using anthropological, sociological, or philological approaches, with reference to classical manuscripts (such as the Hikayat Raja-Raja Pasai) or field data. Priority topics include the role of religious institutions in preserving traditions, the dynamics of interfaith relations, and the study of "Digital Islam" in the cultural transformation of Malay society in the digital space.

2. Malay Civilization
This journal examines the contribution of Islam to the formation of Malay civilization, including traditional education systems (pesantren, madrasah), sharia-based natural resource management (such as waqf forests), and the influence of Arab, Persian, and Indian cultures. Articles are expected to connect related findings to contemporary issues, such as the revitalization of civilizational values ​​in sustainable development or an analysis of Islamic ecotheology that explores Sharia-based natural resource management, such as traditional agricultural practices based on Islamic ecological principles (Green Islam) or waqf forest management as a model of environmental conservation that integrates religious values ​​and ecosystem sustainability.

3. History of Malay Islamic Society
JMIS publishes critical historical studies exploring the evolution of Malay Muslim communities from the pre-colonial period to the modern era, including the process of Islamization, the role of ulama in local leadership, and the impact of colonialism. Research is required to employ critical historiographical methods with reference to primary archives or oral sources. Comparative analysis with regions such as West Africa or the Caucasus to understand the transfer of Islamic ideology is also encouraged.

4. Politics of Malay Islamic Society
This journal examines political dynamics, including the implementation of sharia in the Malay region, community participation in governance, and interfaith conflict and reconciliation. Priority topics include the role of Islamic political parties, state-religion relations, challenges of democratization, and transnational networks (e.g., the Malay diaspora in ASEAN diplomacy). Comparative analysis with other Islamic contexts is highly encouraged for a global perspective.

5. Malay Islamic Society Economy
JMIS encourages research on Islamic economics specific to the Malay context, such as the management of zakat and waqf (Islamic endowments), the growth of the halal economy in coastal areas, and Islamic financial inclusion. Studies on economic inequality, Malay society's adaptation to the global capitalist system, or a sharia-based green economy (e.g., halal supply chains and climate change) are the primary focus. Quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both approaches are accepted, with an emphasis on policy relevance.

JMIS exclusively emphasizes the study of the "Malay Archipelago" (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and Southern Thailand) as a cultural and civilizational laboratory. Comparative studies with the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia are only conducted for synchronous or ideological contexts, such as studies of the Malay diaspora or transnational cultural transfer. The journal supports mixed methods (qualitative-quantitative), case studies, interdisciplinary approaches, and the use of digital technology (GIS/Geographic Information System, or big data) for the analysis of religious institutions or social dynamics.