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Islam’s journey to Malaysia and Indonesia is a story of peaceful coexistence and the gradual acceptance of Islam. Islam first reached Southeast Asia through trade routes, primarily conducted by Arab and Indian merchants. These traders brought not only goods but also the teachings of Islam, which gradually took root among the local populations and was closely linked to trade and cultural exchange. Muslim traders established settlements along the coastlines, where they interacted with the local communities, shared their beliefs, and built mosques and Islamic institutions foundational to Muslim communities.
Let there be no compulsion in religion, for the truth stands out clearly from falsehood.1 So whoever renounces false gods and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the firmest, unfailing hand-hold. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Quran 2:256
The conversion to Islam in Malaysia and Indonesia was largely peaceful, Sufi missionaries traveled to remote areas, spreading Islam through their exemplary conduct, spiritual teachings, and community work. Islamic teachings emphasised the importance of kindness and justice towards all people, regardless of their faith resulting in great tolerance and co-existance with non-Muslims
Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and fairly with those who have neither fought nor driven you out of your homes. Surely Allah loves those who are fair. Quran 60:8
Islam, as practiced in Malaysia and Indonesia today, upholds the rights of non-Muslims. Both countries have constitutions that guarantee freedom of religion and protect the rights of religious minorities to practice their faith without discrimination.
One such example is in Bali, which is predominantly Hindu, and the local government ensures that Hindu traditions and practices are preserved and respected. Balinese Hindus have the freedom to celebrate their religious festivals, maintain their temples, and uphold their cultural heritage without any restrictions.
“To you be your religion, and to me my religion” Quran 109:6
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set the example of treating non-Muslims with kindness and compassion, said:
“Whoever harms a non-Muslim citizen, I am his adversary, and I shall be an adversary to him on the Day of Judgment” (Bukhari).
The spread of Islam to Malaysia and Indonesia was marked by peaceful interaction, cultural exchange, and the embodiment of Islamic values such as tolerance and compassion. Today, these countries stand as shining examples of pluralistic societies where people of different faiths live harmoniously, guided by the timeless principles of Islam.
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