WHI-Chap16-Obj4
Why did Southeast Asians convert to Islam?
Bolded letters denote important information that basically summarizes this objective.
Islam in Southeast Asia
In the beginning, Muslim merchants from areas like Arabia and Persia ventured into southeast Asia by 8th century and became prominent during 10th Century. The small communities of foreign merchants observed their faith of Islam in port cities but it attracted little interest among the native inhabitants of the region. Due to prosperous trade, the ruling elite gradually became interested in Islam. They, however, continued to honor Hinduism, Buddhism, or other native traditions. Meanwhile, Sufis appealed to the public as they had a reputation for sincerity and holiness. People also enjoyed Sufis as it allowed converts to retain their inherited customs and adopt messages of Islam to local needs and interests.
Southeast Asia trade sea routes [1]
Southeast Asia trade land routes [2]
Southeast Asians convert to Islam
The founding of Islam in southeast Asia began in 14th Century with Paramesvara. Paramesvara was a rebellious prince from Sumatra who was originally Hindu but then 'converted' to Islam. Also Islam gained strength in the 15th Century because Melaka sponsored it. By the mid-15th Century, the ruling class converted to Islam. Islam then spread throughout southeast Asia with the sponsored missionary campaigns and arrival of the theologians, Sufis, etc. This was mainly because India served as a principal source of political and cultural traditions for southeast Asia. By the end of the 15th Century, there were mosques everywhere in Java, Sumatra and the Malay peninsula. Within several centuries of its arrival, Islam became a prominent feature in the cultural landscape of southeast Asia. This helped link the southeast Asian lands to larger cultural worlds, like India, and to the larger commercial world of the Indian Ocean basin.
Religions in Southeast Asia. [3]
For more information on why Southeast Asians converted to Islam:
Traditions and Encounters pg.423-429 "The Influence of Indian Society in Southeast Asia"[4]
How did Islam enter the Indian Subcontinent.
Why did Indian convert to Islam.
How did Islam enter Southeast Asia.
References
- ↑ Southeast Asia trade sea routes[1]
- ↑ Southeast Asia trade land routes[2]
- ↑ Religions in Southeast Asia[3]
- ↑ Bentley, Jerry H, and Herbert F Ziegler. Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past. 4th ed. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008.
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