Learning a new language brings the opportunity to explore different cultures, including their religious and spiritual aspects. In this regard, the Malay language is rich with words that reflect the diversity of religious beliefs and practices in the Malay-speaking world, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. Here is a compilation of religious and spiritual vocabulary in Malay, complete with definitions and example sentences.

Agama
This word translates to “religion” in English. It refers to an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods.
Agama memainkan peranan penting dalam kehidupan masyarakat. (Religion plays an important role in society’s life.)

Doa
“Doa” means “prayer.” It is a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.
Dia sedang membaca doa sebelum makan malamnya. (He is reading a prayer before his dinner.)

Tuhan
Equivalent to “God” in English, “Tuhan” is the term used for the deity in monotheistic faiths or the higher power in other belief systems.
Kita semua adalah ciptaan Tuhan. (We are all creations of God.)

Ibadah
“Ibadah” refers to acts of worship or religious duties performed by Muslims. The term encompasses both formal rituals and personal acts of devotion.
Ibadah haji wajib dilakukan sekurang-kurangnya sekali seumur hidup bagi yang mampu. (The pilgrimage is a mandatory act of worship that should be performed at least once in a lifetime by those who are able.)

Surau
This word is used for an Islamic assembly building, similar to a small mosque, where people gather for worship and community events.
Surau di kampung tersebut selalu dipenuhi jemaah setiap malam Jumaat. (The assembly building in the village is always full of congregants every Friday night.)

Kitab
“Kitab” translates to “book” and is often used to refer to religious scriptures such as the Quran in Islam.
Kitab Suci dimuliakan dan dibaca setiap hari. (The Holy Book is revered and read every day.)

Puasa
This term means “fasting,” which is a common religious practice in various faiths, particularly in Islam during the month of Ramadan.
Umat Islam menjalani puasa dari subuh hingga maghrib selama bulan Ramadan. (Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan.)

Solat
Also known as “Salah,” this word refers to the obligatory Islamic prayers performed five times a day by Muslims.
Dia bangun awal untuk menunaikan solat Subuh. (He wakes up early to perform the dawn prayer.)

Masjid
The term “masjid” is used for a mosque, which is the place of worship for Muslims.
Masjid itu dibuka kepada umum untuk lima waktu solat. (The mosque is open to the public for the five daily prayers.)

Zakat
“Zakat” is the practice of almsgiving, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory process of giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need.
Membayar zakat adalah kewajipan bagi setiap muslim yang memenuhi syarat tertentu. (Paying almsgiving is an obligation for every Muslim who meets specific criteria.)

By understanding and using these words, learners can gain deeper insights into the religious context of the Malay-speaking regions and participate more meaningfully in spiritual conversations. Whether you’re traveling to these areas or just aiming to broaden your linguistic and cultural horizons, this vocabulary will serve as a valuable asset in your language learning journey.