How Do You Spell SURAU?

Pronunciation: [sˈɜːɹa͡ʊ] (IPA)

Surau is a word commonly used in Malay language to refer to a small mosque or prayer hall. The correct spelling of this word is /sʊraʊ/, with the initial syllable pronounced like "sun" and the second syllable rhyming with "now". The "u" at the end of the word is pronounced like a diphthong, in which the sound starts with an "eh" sound and glides into a shortened "oo". It is important to spell and pronounce this word correctly to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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SURAU Meaning and Definition

  1. Surau is a term used in Islam to refer to a smaller place of worship, specifically in Southeast Asia. It is often understood as a community or neighborhood prayer room or a prayer hall in Southeast Asian Muslim regions. The word "surau" is derived from the Arabic term "sirr," which means secret or hidden, suggesting its nature as a humble and unassuming place of worship.

    Typically, a surau is a more informal and casual space compared to a grand mosque. It serves as a gathering place for locals to perform their daily prayers, especially the midday congregational prayer on Fridays. Surau often functions as a focal point for community activities, such as religious lectures, Quranic classes, and community meetings. It is mainly managed and maintained by the local Muslim community and often lacks the presence of a permanent imam.

    Constructed with simplicity in mind, a surau does not usually possess the elaborate architectural features found in larger mosques. Instead, it is designed to accommodate small to moderate-sized congregations. Surau architecture may incorporate local influences, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region. In addition, it commonly incorporates a mihrab, indicating the direction of Mecca, and a mimbar, a raised platform from which sermons are delivered.

    Overall, surau serves as an essential part of the social and religious fabric of Southeast Asian Muslim communities, providing a sacred space for communal worship, spiritual guidance, and community engagement.

Etymology of SURAU

The word "surau" has its roots in the Arabic language. It is derived from the Arabic word "sura" (سورة), which means "chapter" or "portion". In Islamic religious context, a surah refers to a chapter of the Quran. Over the years, this term was borrowed into the Malay language, and its pronunciation shifted slightly to become "surau". In Malay, "surau" typically refers to a smaller place of worship, often used for congregational prayers, especially in rural areas where mosques may not be readily available.