The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXIV, Part 1-2, 1976 - Khamkoo

428 REVIEWS
Roff presents this phase of the Majlis' operations as the beginning of an
"indigenous social revolution." It was not long however, before the
radically innovative program of the Majlis came under criticism and was
checked by more conservative forces. It was required also to undertake
the building of an expensive mosque in the capital and soon found itself
in deep financial troubles, w bich limited its effectiveness of its educa tiona!
programs. Prof. Roff's piece is indeed one of the most valuable
contributions in this book.
Another equally fascinating piece of reading is the selection
entitled "Theological Debates" by Muhammad Salleh b. Wan Musa and
S. Othman Kelantan. This is primarily a work of piety, being both a
discussion of the history of Islam in Kelantan and a biography, first of
Wan Musa and secondly of his son, Muhammed Salleh (one of the
authors). It represents the family history of two generations of radical
Kelantanese ulama. This supplies a necessary personal note and gives
the reader a first-hand insight into the type of people who have made
Islam such a dynamic force in Kelantan. As such, it is an excellent
complement to the more formal studies by Winzeler and Kessler which
conclude the book.
The history of Kelantan, much of it depressing and uninspiring
(because of the events, not the writers) needs the anthropologist to give
it perspect1ve. The Firth piece, somewhat out of place in this collection,
due to its relatively limited scope, at least provides the reader with a few
more facts. He presents Kelantanese villagers and examines the
pragmatism of their view of folk magic. This, and the Ray beck study
of social stress in the villages, show folk magic as a sort of medical
practice. The Raybeck study offers an interesting description of the
main putri, a kind of primitive psycho-drama.
The three final essays deal specifically with the role of Islam in the
modern life of tbe state. Here religion emerges as one of the major