-
Jan 1, 800
8th Century Trading Routes
Muslim merchants dominated trade within the Indian Ocean as early as the 8th century. These Muslim trade routes linked Arabia, East Africa, India, China, and what is present day Malaysia. These heavily traveled trade routes are the cause of the initial spread of Islam into present day Malaysia and Southeast Asia. -
Jan 1, 1390
A Prince was Driven From His Homeland to Malasia
A young prince named Parameswara was driven out of his homelands in Java. He would land in present day Malaysia. This is a critical point in the history of Islam in Malaysia because it would be Parameswara would manage to drive the Siamese control out of Malaysia and unify as it's own nation. -
Jan 1, 1403
Malacca is Founded
Parameswara would drive the Siamese (Thai) out of Malaysia and form the trading town of Malacca. The word Malacca is derived from the Arabic word Malakut. This means "market place". Malacca was and still is to this present day a very busy and important trading center. It is also a very important cultural center. The geographical location of Malaysia allows for the interaction of many different races and nationalities. Islam would grow it's roots in Malaysia from Malacca. -
Jan 1, 1405
The Prince is Married and Accepts Islam
As legend has it, Prince Parameswara fell in love with a princess from the court of Pasai. Pasai was located across the Straits of Malacca, in a powerful Muslim kingdom called Acheh. After the wedding, Parameswara accepted Islam as his faith, and changed his name to Sultan Iskander Shah. This would be the first time in the history of Malaysia that Muslim was in charge of the country. -
Jan 1, 1409
A Great Chinese Admiral Pays a Visit to Malacca
The great Chinese Admiral Zheng Yi made a trip to Malacca in 1409. Yi is considered one of the greatest wartime admirals in Chinese history and was also himself a Muslim. The Emperor of China would come to realize the importance of Islam in Malaysia and other Southeastern countries. He would also realize the importance of Malacca as a trading center. This would help strengthen relations between the two nations and further develop Malaysia. -
Jan 1, 1511
The Portugese Capture Malacca
A Portuguese fleet led by Alfonso de Albuquerque would invade and capture Malacca in 1511. This would mark the beginning of European colonization and control in Malaysia. The beginning of this Western influence would start a period of time where the progress and spread of Islam in Malaysia would slow down. -
The British Seize Control of Trade Routes
Present day Malaysia would change hands in control from the Portuguese to the Dutch. The British East India Company would establish trade ports and seize control of trade in Malaysia in 1824. Britain would attract Chinese and other immigrants to Malaysia. Great Britiain was the industrial powerhouse of the time. They were very influential and created a great industrial presence in Malaysia, often times at the expense of freedoms for it's national residents. -
The British Office Takes Direct Control
The British office would take direct control over Malaysia in 1867. While the East India Company would cause trade and commerce to expand greatly in Malaysia, which would help develop and strengthen the nation, it also brought an ugly aspect along with it. The colonial power was notorious for keeping the national inhabitants in poverty and restricted many civil liberties such as forbidding the practice of Islam in certain areas. -
The Federation of Malaya is Formed
The Federation of Malaya is formed in 1957. It would formally recognize it's independence from Great Britain after the communist party would take arms against the British. Once all the states of Malaya were united on September 16, 1963, present day Malaysia was formed. This would put a Muslim authority back in complete control of the country for the first time since European colonization began. -
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad Becomes Prime Minister
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad would become the fourth Prime Minister in 1981 and would serve for 22 years in office during his first term. His first election came after a strong pro-Islam reformation in the 1970's called dakwah. This movement would seek to revitalize and strengthen Islam around the world once again. Dr. Mohamad's tenure during his first term would see many criticisms. He succeeded in strengthening the country, but his pro-radical Islamic policies would cause tension among the public. -
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Takes Office
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would take office as Prime Minister in October of 2003. His term in office would see a strong push towards conservative radical Islam. As a result of this, there would be an even further increase in tensions among the non-Muslim minority. Sharia Law is used in Malaysia for Muslims, and a regular court system is to be used for non-Muslims, however there would be many controversial rulings that would infringe on non-Muslim rights. -
Religious Tensions Reach New Heights
2010 would mark a year for new heightened religious tensions in Malaysia. Further pro-Islamic policies would be implemented. The most controversial forbids Christians and non-Muslims from using the word Allah. Three women would also be flogged for extra-martial sexual relations during this same year. This is the first time Islamic-law would penalize women for moral actions. -
Present Day
The status of Islam in present day Malaysia is strong and well. It could be argued that is as of strong of a presence as it ever has been. There is a Muslim majority of 61%. However all is not well. Religious tensions are on the rise as hard line, conservative Muslim policies aimed at altering moral behavior are on the rise, which is drawing harsh criticisms from the non-Muslim minority.
