Malik As-Saleh
(Spreader of Islam in Southeast Asia)
Apart from being known as the founder and first king of the Sultanate of Samudera Pasai, Malik al-Saleh was also a figure who spread Islam in the archipelago and Southeast Asia in the 13th century AD Due to the influence of Sultan Malik al-Saleh's power, Islam could expand widely. in the archipelago to other countries in Southeast Asia.
According to Marco Polo, Malik al-Saleh was a strong and rich king. He is married to the daughter of the king of Perlak and has two children. While in power, Malik al-Saleh received Marco Polo's visit.
During the reign of Malik al-Saleh, Samudera Pasai had a major contribution to the development and spread of Islam in the country. Samudera Pasai sent many scholars and preachers to spread Islam to Java. In addition, many Javanese scholars have studied religion in Pasai. One of them is Sheikh Yusuf - a Sufi and scholar who spread Islam in South Africa who came from Makassar.
Wali Songo is evidence of the close relationship between Samudera Pasai and the development of Islam in Java. It is said that Sunan Kalijaga was the son-in-law of Maulana Ishak, one of the Sultan of Pasai. In addition, Sunan Gunung Jati, who spread Islam in the Cirebon and Banten areas, turned out to be a native of the Pasai region.
The Sultanate of Samudera Pasai was very firm in implementing Islam. Its government is a theocracy (religion) based on Islamic teachings. No wonder the community's life is so thick with nuances of Islamic religion and culture.
As an influential kingdom, Pasai also made friends with the rulers of other countries, such as Champa, India, China, Majapahit, and Malacca. According to Marco Polo, Sultan Malik as-Saleh had great respect for Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler in China.
