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1303 BCE
The earliest evidence of the arrival of Islam in Malaysia was discovered in Terengganu.
In the form of an ancient inscribed stone locally referred to as ‘Batu Bersurat’. The stone tablet with Jawi script on it stands as proof that Islam had arrived in the east coast region of the peninsula long before Parameswara embraced Islam. -
400 BCE
Islam is gradually introduced by Arab and Indian traders.
It was first adopted by the Malay elite. -
1400
The Malaysian city of Malacca was founded and it was soon used by Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim from the Ming court, as a base for his treasure ships.
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1400
Port of Malacca founded by renegade prince Iskander Shah, purported to be a descendent of Alexander the Great.
He soon converted to Islam. -
1405
Malay becomes official language and Malacca becomes important Islamic centre.
Visiting Chinese admiral offers to protect Malacca against invading Siamese; support allows Malacca to expand influence over much of peninsula. Malacca and other Malysian sultanates dominates China-India sea trade over next 100 years as Mongol armies close land route to the West -
1500
Melaka became a renowned hub of Islamic studies.
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Period: 1500 to
Islam continued to flourish in the peninsula
It greatly influenced the Malay lifestyle and culture as can be seen until today. -
The Muslim Kampung Hulu Mosque was built in Malacca.
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1902 Thailand annexed 3 southern provinces, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, that had been part of a Malay Muslim sultanate called the Kingdom of Pattani.
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Religious tensions increase following court decision allowing non-Muslims to use the word Allah to refer to God.
Several churches are attacked.