Brief Summary
This video discusses the arrival of Islam in Indonesia, where it's the most practiced religion. It examines three main theories: the Gujarat theory, the Mecca theory, and the Persian theory. Each theory suggests different origins and timelines for Islam's introduction to the archipelago, supported by historical evidence and differing perspectives.
- Gujarat theory suggests Islam arrived around the 13th century via traders from Gujarat, India.
- Mecca theory posits that Islam came directly from Arab traders as early as the 7th century.
- Persian theory proposes that Persians brought Islam around the 13th century, influencing local traditions.
Introduction
The video introduces the topic of Islam's arrival in Indonesia, noting that Islam is the most widely practiced religion in the country, with approximately 87% of the population adhering to it. The discussion aims to explore the process through which Islam entered Indonesia.
Gujarat Theory
The Gujarat theory, supported by historians such as Snouck Hurgronje and William Shatner, suggests that Islam arrived in the archipelago around the 13th century. Islamic traders from Gujarat, India, brought it. The theory is based on two main pieces of evidence: the tombstone of Sultan Malik al-Saleh of Samudera Pasai, who died in 1297, features Gujarati-Indian style writing, indicating Gujarati influence in Aceh. Additionally, the writings of Marco Polo, a Venetian trader, mention his stop in Perlak in 1292, where he observed that many inhabitants were Muslim, highlighting the role of Indian traders in spreading Islam.
Mecca Theory
The Mecca theory, supported by Buya Hamka and Den JC Van Leur, suggests that Islam entered the archipelago around the 7th century, brought directly by Arab traders. This theory is based on the existence of an Islamic settlement in Baros, on the west coast of Sumatra, in 674. Arab traders married local residents, facilitating the spread of Islam. Hamka argues that the Arab nation's initial arrival was motivated by spreading Islam rather than economic factors. According to this theory, the Sultans of Pasai used the title Al Malik, common in Egypt at the time, and the Islam that developed in Samudra Pasai adhered to the Syafi'i school of thought, prevalent in Egypt and Mecca, while the Gujarat region followed the Hanafi school. Madzhab in Islam refers to the view of the applicable law, such as the procedure for praying or the law of wearing a veil. The four main schools of thought are Hanafi, Maliki, Syafi'i, and Hambali.
Persian Theory
The Persian theory, supported by Husein Jayadiningrat and Umar Aamir Hussain, posits that Islam in Indonesia was brought by Persians around the 13th century. Historians often consider the Indonesian archipelago as part of the da'wah operation and trading area of the Persian kingdom. Evidence supporting this theory includes the Tabot or Tabuik ceremony, celebrated every 10th of Muharram in Bengkulu and West Sumatra, commemorating the death of Hasan bin Ali and Husein bin Ali, the grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad. This celebration, also called the Ashura celebration, is an annual ritual in Persia, with similar traditions and symbols. Additionally, the similarity of Persian traditions can be seen in the celebration of the Prophet's Birthday or Mau Dulu Lompoa in Cikoang Takalar, South Sulawesi.
