How To Worship The Datuk

Datuks come from all walks of life. They are most often of Malay origin, but they can be Chinese, or Indian or Indigenous. They are most often men but sometimes women. Datuks have very individualized personalities. Many have warrior characteristics, while others are gentle and benevolent. Ways of worship would be different for all of them, but there are some simple rules that apply in general.

The Datuk is a lower ranking deity in the Chinese pantheon of gods. He is an earth deity and does not require expensive offerings or elaborate rituals. Thursday evenings and Friday mornings are good times to pray to the Datuk.

Respect the Datuk, first and foremost.

Greet the Datuk with “Salaam Walekum”

Abstain from eating pork before praying to the Datuk.

Wash before praying to the Datuk and approach with a pure heart.

Bring white candles which symbolize purity in the Muslim faith.

Offer coffee or sweet drinks, nasi lemak, flowers, betel nut.

Do not offer pork or alcohol to the Datuk.

Light Kemenyan that perfumes the area with its smoke, as a gesture of cleansing.

On special days bring “kain” and songkok and special cakes.