WHI-Chap16-Obj3
From SJS Wiki
How did Islam enter Southeast Asia? Islam entered Southeast Asia by merchants. It won gradual acceptance in merchant communities where foreign Muslim traders took local spouses and found a place in Indian Society. Islam was also brought to Southeast Asia in hopes of reaching the Chinese people. Melaka converts to Islam and soon converts the surrounding islands of Indonesia. Islam was brought to Southeast Asia by sufis as well who would spread the word of their religion to people in the Southeast region of Asia. As the coastal trade with India continued the Islamic religion entered Southeast Asia and became prevalent after a while. Islam never became a major religion in China but still had an influence on trade in the coastal regions.
