Islam comes to Atjeh / first Muslim sultan at Samoedra-Pasè (c. 1200) was an event in the history of Aceh recorded by Jongejan in Land en Volk van Atjeh Vroeger en Nu. The Islam (founded in Arabia) began around 1200 to win adherents in the archipelago, first in Atjeh.
Date and Context
The event is dated to c. 1200.
Account
The Islam (founded in Arabia) began around 1200 to win adherents in the archipelago, first in Atjeh. The first kingdom where a Mohammedan prince is mentioned is Samoedra-Pasè. The attraction of this religion proved so powerful that within the first three centuries afterwards virtually all of Atjeh, at least the coastal area, was won over and remained so to the present day - in contrast to Hinduism which had to yield completely. The transition was not violent and was complete by 1500.
Significance
The event is recorded by Jongejan as part of the broader historical narrative of Aceh and the Atjeh conflict period. It illustrates the complex interplay of local Atjehers politics, Dutch colonial administration, and the religious and military leadership that shaped the region’s history.
See Also
Source
Land en Volk van Atjeh Vroeger en Nu, by J. Jongejans, Oud-Resident van het Gewest Atjeh en Onderhoorigheden, with a foreword by Dr. H. Colijn (Baarn: Hollandia Drukkerij N.V., c. 1938), pp. 25.