At last, I've come to the last page at this point.
Must praise Nacht for the effort to keep here alive since 2 years ago.
I have a number of questions to ask actually.
However, last few pages from here a number of discussions related to Datuk's had been discussed.
I just like to give my point of view.
I personally don't really think majority of 'Datuk' are just human spirit.
Before Islam entered the Tanah Melayu in 15th Century, the Malay communities were largely animists and also Hindus, Buddhists.
They believing in existence of spirits (supernatural elements, animal spirits, elves, fairies, djinns, demons) in everything, for example like rock, tree, hive, fire.
That has explained the Malay worshiped those hives or those strange looking rocks and so on.
And remember that those mentioned spirits/entities had already owned that place long ago no matter it was inhabited by human or not.
In order to chase off or take over that place original 'Owner' or 'Datuk', that human spirit need to be really powerful enough to do that.
You can imagine a human spirit needs to go thru a fight with the thousand year old spirit (reminded me of the 人间道's 树精姥姥 vs 小倩) to own that place. If they are Muslim spirits, I honestly don't think their 'God' or 'Creator' will lend a hand for them on that purpose.
Even if they got a warrior terror like 'Guan Kong'... as in Islam, life is a test and a preparation ground for the afterlife.
As one dies, the 'God' will resurrect and judge every individual and will entitle them either in heaven or hell. So how they are able to 'escape' from their 'Mighty God' and to become a local place taiko?
Honestly I felt quite perplex when I saw those 'Datuk' in Songkok or in Malay figure
IMO, 'Datuk' absolutely existed but they are the earlier mentioned spirits (supernatural elements, animal spirits, elves, fairies, djinns) and I always pay my respect to them.