How Islam came to Indonesia and Pakistan

To fulfil an Assignment of
English - II

Submited by
Nabillah Nur Ridwan

Register Number
6154-FU/BS/F18

Department Islamic Studies

Faculty of Ushuluddin
International Islamic University
2019
A. Introduction
Islam is a divine religion brought by the Prophet. The source of his teachings comes from the
revelation of Allah SWT. Islam was first developed in the Middle East, namely Arab, then over time
Muslims in Arabia began to interact with other countries, so that Islam slowly began to develop and
spread to all parts of the world. Until now, Islam has reached a third of the world's population.
Indonesia and Pakistan are two countries where the majority of the population adheres to Islam. With
a different historical cultural background, let us study and find the uniqueness of these two countries.
Talk about how Islam came in in the two countries above, so first we discuss when and how Islam
entered the country.

B. Why did I choose this topic?

Islamic history needs to be studied so that we can understand the background of Islam accepted in
society which was previously synonymous with Hindu Buddhist culture, its development to the
emergence of schools and views that exist today. The influence of local culture and from previous
civilizations also made Islam in every country have a number of ceremonial things that exist today.
That way, we can act wiser about the differences that exist in Islam, and if necessary we look for ways
or methods to encourage changes in deeper and better understanding without creating conflict.
C. History

Indonesia
The discovery of the Indonesian state since the prehistoric period was around 1.7 million years ago.
The Republic of Indonesia has 5 Era:
❖ Pre-colonial era (Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms)
The spread of Islam in this era on the islands of Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan by relying on
trade
❖ Colonial Era
The entry of Europe (Dutch and Portuguese) to absorb Indonesian spices. So that resulted in
colonization by the Dutch for 3.5 Century from the early 17th century to the mid 20th century
❖ The Early Era of Independence
Post-Proclamation of Indonesian Independence (1945) until the fall of Sukarno (1966)
❖ New Order Era,
32 years of Soeharto's reign (1966–1998)
❖ Reform Order ; which continues until now.

https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sejarah_Indonesia

There are 5 theories about the entry of Islam in Indonesia

❖ Arabic / Meccan Theory
The entry of Islam in the 7th century AD and brought by traders from Arabia. The person who
sparked this theory and his supporters was Van Leurm Anthony H. Johns, W. Arnold, and also Buya
Hamka. The three figures said that Islam entered Indonesia starting with the arrival of travelers from
the east coast of Sumatra in the Arab Ummayyah Village. The school introduced in the village is the
Shafi'ite school. The school is very popular also where the merchant originates.
https://brainly.co.id/tugas/168064

❖ Gujarat theory
Through Gujarat merchants in the 12th century AD This theory was supported by some authentic
evidence, such as the tombstone of Sultan Samudera Pasai, Sultan Malik As-Saleh in 1297.
❖ Persian theory
At that time, merchants from Persia spread Islam in Indonesia in the 7th century AD. At that time,
Persian traders brought Islam under the influence of highly developed Shiites in Persia. This theory is
also supported by some evidence that is said to be very reliable. The first proof is the warning of
Ashura and the warning of the Ark in the archipelago's Islamic customs. The culture is the same as
that in the Shia Islamic teachings.
❖ Chinese theory
the theory of the entry of Islam into Indonesia was delivered by Chinese traders. This theory has
evidence of the history of the movement of Chinese Muslim communities from Canton to Southeast
Asia. Then in Southeast Asia, many people from Canton moved to Palembang in the 879 AD. Another
proof is the existence of an old mosque with Chinese-style architecture on Java. The first king of
Demak, Raden Patah, was of Chinese descent. Then, titles on various kings are written in Chinese.
After that there was a note stating that the Chinese region at that time was mostly occupied by
Chinese traders in Indonesian ports.
❖ Maritime Theory
The last theory of the entry of Islam into Indonesia was brought by historians from Pakistan and
named N.A. Baloch. The historian said that Islam spread in Indonesia thanks to the role of the ability
of Muslims to explore the vast Ocean.
https://www.sudutsekolah.com/teori-masuknya-islam-ke-indonesia/

Pakistan
At first Pakistan was an Indian territory. Pakistan's demands to stand alone as an independent Islamic
state were released from India since 1900. Islam entered Pakistan for a long time, long before
Pakistan stood alone as an independent state, namely during the Kholifah Walid Bin Abdul Malik's
government (705- 715) from the Daughters of the Umayyads.
http://santritasikmh3.blogspot.com/2016/02/sejarah-perkembangan-islam-di-pakistan.html
Islam entered this region sweetly, because Islamic merchants at that time had a noble position in the
eyes of the local population. This was caused by the behavior of the merchants who were friendly
with the local people and they did not distinguish between levels in society.
Brahman castes feel disturbed by the presence of Muslims which is a threat to them. Brahmins have
extensive power over the people both in the religious, social and economic fields. They can freely
pressure the people, including being rude to Muslims. Muslims in Sind are asking for help from the
Islamic government in Damascus and then the Caliph sent Islamic forces under the leadership of
Muhammad bin Qasim who finally conquered the Hindu government in Sind.
But the Hindu nobles made a rebellion then the new Caliphate the Abbasid immediately sent troops to
Sind to replace the governor of the Umayyad Dynasty
Then the second caliph, Al Manshur, sent an expedition and founded the city of Mansurah as a
military base.
After the Abbasid dynasty began to decline, Sind became a province ruled by princes. Silih switched
the Islamic rulers who ruled in Sind, so many people native to the Sind region who converted to
Islam.
https://andreaislah.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/peradaban-islam-di-pakistan/

D. OPINION
Indonesia has many different theories about how the first entry and spread of Islam in the country.
Almost every theory has evidence that is able to strengthen every argument. In contrast to the Mecca
theory which not only has evidence of inheritance but actually bequeaths the thinking to date with:
1. The majority of Indonesian Muslims who have Syafi'I Madzhab
2. This was confirmed by the Islamic preacher was the descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, whose
nasal teachings led to Imam al-Muhajir who was believed by many scholars about the truth
3. there is a record from China during the Tang Dynasty which mentions that around the 7th century
there were Arab settlements in Barus, namely the west coast of Sumatra, now in the province of North
Sumatra.
In contrast to Pakistan, where Islam had entered the period of the Khilafiyah Daulat Umayyad despite
opposition from the Brahmin caste. Although like that the purity of Islamic teachings that are owned
by the state of Pakistan is no less powerful as that of Indonesia.

E. Conclusion
From the theory of Maritime and Gujarat, it is stated that Muslim traders from India (where some of
the regions are currently the territory of Pakistan) trade in Indonesia and spread the teachings of Islam
with an Indonesian background, Buddhist and Hindu culture.
These two countries have been sustainable for a long time, and have the purity of Islamic teachings
that can be a reference to deepen Islam.
The history of madness records the occurrence of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphs in Pakistan in
the sense that this country is rich in historical legacies of the spread of Islam.