Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage: The Aesthetic, Linguistic, and Spiritual Significance of Dikir Burdah Lyrics in the Malay Community of Sri Aman, Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

This study examines the aesthetic, linguistic, and spiritual significance of Dikir Burdah (DB) lyrics within the Malay community of Sri Aman, Sarawak, Malaysia (SASM), through the translation of the original Arabic lyrics into English. The translation process seeks to uncover the profound Islamic cultural heritage embedded in the poetic expression, highlighting the spiritual insights and moral teachings conveyed through the lyrics. Adopting a qualitative methodology, data were collected via in-depth interviews with cultural practitioners, direct observation of Dikir Burdah (DB) performances, and an analysis of the translated text. The findings illustrate that Dikir Burdah (DB) functions not only as a cultural artifact but also as a vital conduit for the inter-generation transmission of Islamic values, spiritual contemplation, and the preservation of cultural identity. Despite challenges posed by modernization, community-led initiatives are instrumental in sustaining this art performance, ensuring the continuity of Islamic cultural heritage for future generations.