FLEXIBILITY AND LENIENCY IN THE RELIGIOUS PRACTICES OF THAI MUSLIMS IN THE THREE SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCES IN RESPONSE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS

Abstract

          This qualitative research aims to study the Flexibility and Leniency in the Religious Practices of Thai Muslims in the Three Southern Border Provinces in Response to Infectious Disease Outbreaks. The interviewees were selected using purposive sampling, including:  1) 10 mosque committee members from each of the three southern border provinces (30 people total); 2) 10 Muslim academics from each of the three southern border provinces (30 people total); and 3) 10 Muslim members of the general public from each of the three southern border provinces (30 people total), for a total of 90 people. The population and sample for brainstorming sessions consisted of: 10 general public members, 5 religious leaders, 5 village health volunteers, 5 Muslim academics, 1 representative from the Office of the Chularatchamontri (Thailand's highest Islamic religious authority), and 3 members of the Islamic committees of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, for a total of 29 people. Qualitative data from the interviews were analyzed using content analysis and conclusion. This research involved processing and analyzing collected documents and evidence, categorizing and synthesizing data according to the established objectives, verifying data comprehensiveness, and presenting the findings in a descriptive analytical report with discussion of the results.    The research found that Thai Muslims demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in their religious practices during the pandemic. They correctly applied their religious knowledge, and their religious adaptations during the outbreak were translated into practical social and health practices. Examples include adjustments to prayer routines, fasting, zakat payments, and the suspension of Hajj pilgrimages. All these actions were conducted within the religious framework and under the supervision of official religious institutions, using flexibility and adaptability to maintain a balance between preserving faith, protecting lives, and fulfilling social responsibilities. Recommendations: Provincial Islamic Councils, healthcare facilities, and mosques in the area can use these research findings to adjust their religious policies and adapt their religious practices during pandemics to suit their local contexts.