Adat (
Jawi: عادت) is the generic term derived from
Arabic language for describing a variety of
local customary practices and
tradition as observed by
Muslim communitites in North Caucasus,
Central Asia and
Southeast Asia. Despite its Arabic origin, the term adat resonates deeply throughout the
Maritime Southeast Asia, where due to colonial influence, its usage has been systematically institutionalised into various non-Muslim communities. Within the region, the term refers, in a broader sense, to the customary norms, rules,
interdictions, and
injunctions that guide individual's conduct as a member of the community and the sanctions and forms of address by which these norms and rules, are upheld. Adat also include the set of local and traditional
laws and
dispute resolution systems by which society was regulated.
