What Factors Make Islam Easy to Accept in the Archipelago? Find out the 5 Reasons Here

Illustration of the beginning of the spread of Islam in the archipelago (Photo: VOI Doc)

YOGYAKARTA - Based on historical records, Islam is not the first religion to enter Indonesia. Even so, Islam is the fastest growing religion and is the religion embraced by the majority of the Indonesian people today. So, what are the factors that make Islam easy to accept in the archipelago?

Referring to the book History of Indonesian Islam by Rizem Azid, Islam began to enter Indonesia in the 7th century AD, brought by Arab, Persian, and Indian traders while doing business on international routes passing through the Malacca Strait.

Some traders then settled down and established good relations with the local community, especially the nobility. Through their honest, fair, and polite behavior, the traders managed to attract the sympathy of the community. In fact, some nobles married their daughters to Muslim traders. From this relationship, a generation of successors was born who also played a role in spreading Islam in various regions.

The Reason Islam is Easily Accepted in the Archipelago

The following are some factors that make the spread of Islam easily accepted in the archipelago.

The collapse of the Hindu-Buddhist Kingdom

As we know, Islam began to enter the archipelago during the Hindu-Buddhist kingdom. After the kingdoms collapsed, the teachings of Islam spread very quickly.

The vacuum of power created a gap to spread the teachings of Islam and Islamic kingdoms also emerged.

Through these Islamic kingdoms, Islam spread very quickly until it was embraced by the people in all corners of the archipelago.

Islamic teachings are simple and easy to understand.

One of the reasons why Islam is easily accepted in the archipelago is because of its teachings which are simple and easy to understand by the community. Preachers not only teach theory, but also provide real examples in daily life. The method of delivery is also done in a gentle and pleasant way, without scaring. This makes people feel comfortable and easy to understand Islamic values.

Islam does not recognize the caste system.

Islam teaches that all human beings have the same status before Allah SWT. The only difference is the deeds and deeds of each individual.

At that time, the people of the archipelago still knew the caste system, where the nobility had a higher position than ordinary people. When Islam came with the teachings of equality, many residents felt that this teaching was more just and in accordance with human values, so they decided to embrace Islam.

Islamic teachings are spread peacefully.

The spread of Islam in the archipelago was carried out peacefully without violence. In fact, there is no historical record that describes that there was violence in its spread.

With this method, the community gladly accepts Islam and embraces it without coercion.

Cultural acculturation

Before the arrival of Islam, the majority of the people of the archipelago adhered to Hinduism and Buddhism. The existing culture and traditions are greatly influenced by these two religions. When Islam entered, the distributors did not reject the local culture, but combined it with Islamic values. This approach is known as cultural acculturation.

A real example of acculturation can be seen in the preaching strategy of the Wali Songo on Java Island. They use traditional art such as wayang to insert Islamic messages. The puppet characters are also changed into Islamic hero figures, so that the preaching message can be accepted by the community without losing the local cultural elements.

With a peaceful method of preaching, teachings that are easy to understand, and a wise cultural approach, it is no wonder that the cause of Islam being easily accepted in the archipelago is a real example of how this religion spreads quickly and deeply in various regions of Indonesia.

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