The History of the Entry of Islam to Indonesia and Its Development

 

 The History of the Entry of Islam to Indonesia and Its Development

Indonesia is a country with a majority Muslim population. This is inseparable from the long history of the entry of Islam to the wider community.

However, there are several versions of the history of the entry of  Islam into Indonesia. Starting from Arab traders , Gujarat-India, to Persian. Here's the explanation.

History of the Entry of Islam to Indonesia

There are many theories that confirm the beginning of the entry of Islam into the people of the archipelago at that time. These theories are reinforced by a number of evidences that support the existence of traces as well as the process of the entry of Islam into the country.

1. Makkah theory

Based on the Meccan theory, the history of the entry of Islam to Indonesia occurred in the 7th century AD. Some historians believe this religion was brought by Muslim traders from Arabia who came to the country.

One of the proofs is because several sources from ancient Chinese manuscripts mention that there was a group of Arabs who settled on the west coast of Sumatra Island in 625 AD.

At that time, the west coast of Sumatra Island was actually the territory of the Srivijaya Kingdom which was based on Buddhism. However, there is a tombstone that reads Sheikh Rukunuddin died in 672 AD in the area.

Another source explains that Arab traders carried out trading activities in the archipelago, then married the local people. Not only building a family, they also preach in the country.

2. Gujarati theory

Several other sources believe that the history of the entry of Islam into Indonesia occurred when the Gujarat or Indian traders came in the 13th century.

At first, traders set foot in Malacca, then expanded to Indonesia. Especially on the west coast of Sumatra.

According to this theory, the arrival of Indian Muslim traders to Indonesia who brought Islamic teachings gave birth to the Samudera Pasai Kingdom.

One of the proofs is the discovery of the tomb of Malik As-Saleh who was one of the founders of the Samudera Pasai Kingdom. The pattern of the tombstone of Malik As-Saleh's grave is said to be similar to the tombstones in India.

The pattern of this tombstone is also said to be similar to the tombstone of Maulana Malik Ibrahim, a member of the Wali Songo who is famous for his role in the spread of Islam in Indonesia.

3. Persian theory

According to this theory, the history of the entry of Islam into Indonesia also occurred in the 13th century but through Persian traders or now known as Iran. This is inseparable from the emergence of several similarities between Islamic culture in Indonesia and the Middle East.

One example is calligraphy on tombstones in Indonesia. In addition, also because there are similarities in the ritual of tabok in Bengkulu and tabuik in West Sumatra which are almost exactly the same as the Persians.

Historians also believe that Islam entered Indonesia because of Persian traders because of the many Persian words in the saga of Malay, Aceh, and Java.

However, some say that the Persian sect of Islam is Shia. While the flow of Islam that is growing rapidly in the country is Sunni.

4. Teori China

The history of the entry of Islam into Indonesia is said to have come from China during the Tang Dynasty around 618-905 AD.

The Chinese Muslim commander named Saad bin Waqash who originally came from Medina was believed to be the carrier of Islamic teachings to the archipelago.

Another source stated that Islam entered Indonesia through the Chinese population who migrated to Southeast Asia, one of which was Indonesia. They then settled in South Sumatra in 879 AD.

There are also those who believe that the Chinese brought Islamic teachings to Indonesia through da'wah until the birth of the Demak Kingdom, the first Islamic kingdom in Java.

5. Based on Notes

The history of the entry of Islam into Indonesia also exists according to several records that were revealed to the public. One of them is about the spread of Islam on the island of Sulawesi.

Historians believe that Islam entered Sulawesi through local royal relations with the scholars of Mecca and Medina.

In addition, there was influence from Minang clerics in South Sulawesi who later led the Gowa Sultanate and Bone Sultanate to embrace Islam.

While in Central Sulawesi and North Sulawesi, Islam spread because of the important role of the Sultanate of Ternate and the Sultanate of Gorontalo. Meanwhile in Papua there is a role from the Tidore Sultanate.

Another note states that Islam entered Java in 672 AD, after King Jay Sima of the Kalingga Kingdom converted to Islam. Another proof of the existence of Islam in Java is the discovery of the tomb of Fatimah bint Maimum in Gresik in 1082 AD.

The Development of Islam during the Colonial Period until the 20th Century

After Islam entered Indonesia, the teachings of this religion developed rapidly during the Dutch colonial period in the 17th century. This is because the ulama turned the pesantren into a headquarters for the struggle against Dutch colonialism.

In the 19th century, Islamic reform emerged through schools, such as Adabiah, Diniyah Putri, and Sumatra Thawalib. There were also Islamic organizations such as Sarekat Islam (SI) which was founded by Haji Samanhudi in 1905.

Islamic organizations are also more and more widely known in the country. At the beginning of the 20th century, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah were also born.

From the history of the entry of Islam into Indonesia, then also gave birth to political parties with Islamic breath, such as the National Awakening Party (PKB), the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the United Development Party (PPP), and the National Mandate Party (PAN).