Exploring theological elements in contemporary Malay rap: a case study of Malique’s Pejamkan Mata

This paper investigates the theological dimensions embedded within the lyrics of Malique’s Pejamkan Mata, a contemporary Malay rap song. Integrating Islamic theology and literary analysis, the study examines how theological motifs reflect spiritual ontologies, epistemological sources, moral frameworks, and metaphysical objectives. Utilizing textual and thematic analysis, the paper uncovers how Malique crafts a nuanced theological narrative that critiques societal systems, affirms divine attributes, and inspires spiritual reflection through his lyrics. The results reveal that the song draws upon key Islamic values such as tawhid (divine unity), khalifah (vicegerency), Maqasid al-Shariah (objectives of Islamic law), and the Asma’ul Husna (beautiful names of Allah) that emerge through the theological concepts of ontological assumptions, epistemology, ethics, anthropology, teleology and normativity. These theological concepts serve to position the listener in a reflective engagement with spiritual realities, moral critique of power, and calls for individual and collective transformation. The study demonstrates how Pejamkan Mata, despite being situated in a secular cultural domain, can function as a powerful medium of spiritual communication and da’wah, particularly among younger and culturally attuned Muslim audiences especially in Malaysia’s context.