ISLAM IN THE PERFORMANCE OF DIKIR AL-BURDAH BY PERTUBUHAN BADAN KESENIAN DAN KEBUDAYAAN OF KAMPUNG SESSANG, SARAWAK

This study stems from the general perception that Dikir Al-Burdah in Sarawak as an Islamic performing arts. This impression is contained in the early writings that linked the Dikir Al- Burdah to the al-Qasidah al-Mimiyah tradition by al-Busiri@al-Busairi, a renowned Egyptian sufist. The word “burdah” is also associated with Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. It is equally important to note the early writings of the historical background form and function of Dikir Al-Burdah s performances in Sarawak. This trend invites a study on Dikir Al-Burdah in Sarawak especially its relation to Islam, as well as recording the current activities of Dikir Al- Burdah in Kampung Sessang, Sarawak. Thus, this study aims to achieve three objectives, which are to record the current activity of Dikir Al-Burdah in Kampung Sessang, Sarawak, to analyze the lyrics of Dikir Al-Burdah based on Formalisme, and to conclude the relationship between Dikir Al-Burdah in Sarawak and Islam. This study applies a qualitative approach, especially in using the method of interview and content analysis. The findings show that Dikir Al-Burdah s performance in Kampung Sessang, Sarawak is actively carried out by Pertubuhan Badan Kesenian dan Kebudayaan (Organization of Arts and Culture) which was established in 2010. The organization also perform songs in Malay language which are written by their members; among others are song entitled “Zikir Al-Burdah” and “Pemimpin” (Leaders). The analysis found that the lyrics of the song “Zikir Al-Burdah” addressed the message of the glory of the Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h., while the lyrics of the song “Pemimpin” addressed the message of the importance of fair leadership. These two messages are found to be in lined with the teachings of Islam.