Early Beliefs
The people of the Malay World held different beliefs over time. The earliest was animism — the belief that spirits (semangat) live in trees, rivers, mountains and other parts of nature. Closely linked was dynamism, the belief that certain objects hold supernatural power.
Hinduism-Buddhism and Islam
Through trade with India, Hinduism and Buddhism spread into the region. Their influence can be seen in the stone candi of the Bujang Valley in Kedah, and in ideas about kingship, where rulers were viewed as god-like and highly honoured. Sanskrit words and Indian stories also entered Malay life during this age.
From around the 13th century, Islam arrived, carried mainly by Muslim traders and preachers who travelled along the busy sea routes. The Terengganu Inscription Stone (Batu Bersurat Terengganu), dated 1303, is important evidence of early Islam. Later, Melaka became a major centre for the spread of Islam in the Malay World, and from there the religion reached many other states. Islam changed government and society: rulers took the title sultan, mosques were built, Jawi writing spread, and Islamic law began to shape the courts. Even so, some older customs continued in daily life alongside the new faith.
Key idea
Beliefs developed in stages — animism, then Hinduism-Buddhism, then Islam — and Melaka became a centre spreading Islam across the region.
Remember
- Animism = belief in spirits in nature.
- Candi show Hindu-Buddhist influence.
- Batu Bersurat Terengganu (1303) is evidence of Islam.