Traces of preaching in Java
The island of Java, with its rich culture and history, became one of the most important centers for the spread of Islam in the archipelago. The arrival of this heavenly religion not only changed the spiritual character of society, but also influenced the social, political and cultural order. In contrast to the general view which often leads to a single narrative, the entry of Islam into Java was a complex process that involved various paths and took place over a fairly long period of time.
Various theories regarding the arrival of Islam
Historians and researchers have put forward several theories regarding when and how Islam first set foot on the island of Java:
Gujarat (India) Theory: This theory states that Islam was brought by traders from Gujarat, India, around the 13th century AD. They stopped at various ports in Java and interacted with the local population, who were then attracted to Islamic teachings. Supporting evidence for this theory is the existence of ancient tombs in Java that have Gujarati style headstones.
Persian Theory: This theory states that Islam entered Java through traders and scholars from Persia (Iran) in the 13th to 16th centuries AD. This can be seen from several Islamic traditions and cultures in Java, such as the commemoration of Ashura (10 Muharram) and several vocabulary terms in Javanese which originate from Persian.
Arab Theory (Mecca Hadramaut): This theory is one of the strongest and most widely supported. It is said that Islam was brought directly by traders and scholars from the Arabian peninsula, especially from Hadramaut Yemen from the 7th to 12th centuries AD. They came to Java through busy maritime trade. In addition, it is said that the genealogy of the SONGO saints also refers to Arab descent, especially the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Chinese Theory: Although this theory is the weakest, there is also a view that states that Islam entered Java brought by the Chinese Muslim community who had long sailed to trade in Southeast Asia, as evidenced by the existence of ancient Chinese-style mosques in several coastal areas of Java.
Routes of the Spread of Islam in Java
How did Islam spread so widely in Java? Several channels played a crucial role in this process, including:
- TRADE line.
- MARRIAGE Path.
- EDUCATION Path.
- ARTS AND CULTURE Path.
- POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT Path.
The Role of Wali Songo
It is undeniable that the role of WALI SONGO was very central in the process of Islamization in Java. These nine ulama figures lived in the 15th and 16th centuries AD and had a wise and acculturative method of preaching. They did not destroy local culture but accommodated it with the values of Islamic teachings. Each Wali had a different area of preaching and expertise, but their goal was the same: spreading Islam peacefully.
The entry of Islam into Java Island is a long story that shows the harmony between da'wah and local wisdom culture. This process forms the distinctive Islamic identity of Javanese society, rich in culture and spiritual values and still maintaining the cultural heritage of their ancestors. Until now, we can still see traces of this da'wah in the traditions of art and architecture which are an inseparable part of the life of Javanese society.