Islamic revivalism and ethnic nationalism : a study of Haji Sulong’s political ideology and his influence on the Malay-Muslim identity in Patani

Abstract

This thesis examines the political ideology of Haji Sulong Abdulkadir al-Fatani, a prominent Islamic reformist and political activist in Patani. It explores how his advocacy for Islamic revivalism and ethnic nationalism challenged the centralising policies of the Thai state and contributed significantly to the construction of Malay-Muslim identity in the region. While previous studies have examined Haji Sulong’s religious reform or the resistance movements that followed his disappearance, few have analysed how his dual ideological commitment laid the foundation for both identity formation and long-term political resistance in Patani. The research is guided by three central questions: (i) To what extent did Haji Sulong’s political thought reflect Islamic revivalism and ethnic nationalism? (ii) How did his advocacy influence the construction of Malay-Muslim identity in Patani? and (iii) What is the legacy of his thought in contemporary Malay nationalist movements and the political landscape of Patani? The study employs a qualitative methodology, combining the analysis of primary sources authored by Haji Sulong with interviews and secondary sources, including academic literature and conference materials. The findings reveal that Haji Sulong’s political thought was a fusion of Islamic principles and Malay ethnic consciousness, strategically conveyed through religious reform, educational activism, and political engagement. His initiatives played a central role in shaping a distinct Malay-Muslim identity in Patani, and his ideological legacy continues to influence the emergence of contemporary resistance movements such as BNPP, BRN, and PULO. Furthermore, the thesis argues that Haji Sulong’s life and thought constitute a microcosm of the broader Patani–Siam relationship, and that his ideas remain relevant in today’s political discourse on decentralisation, identity rights, and conflict resolution in Patani.