Sejarah Kerajaan Islam : Kerajaan Perlak

Summary

The Kingdom of Perlak, located in Aceh Timur, was the first Islamic kingdom in Indonesia, established in 840 AD. Initially a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom, it embraced Islam through the influence of Arab traders. Perlak became a crucial trade hub, especially for pepper, and an educational center for Islamic learning. It experienced internal conflicts between Shia and Sunni factions, leading to a turbulent political history. Despite efforts to form alliances, the kingdom fell in 1292 AD when it was absorbed into the Kingdom of Samudra Pasai, marking the end of Perlak's independence but leaving a lasting legacy in Southeast Asia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Perlak was the first Islamic kingdom in Indonesia, existing from 840 to 1292 CE, earlier than Samudra Pasai, which is often mistakenly cited as the first.
• 😀 Initially, Perlak was a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom, but Islam spread rapidly due to trade relations with Arab and Gujarat merchants and the conversion of its ruler, Meura Syahirnuwi, in 800 CE.
• 😀 Perlak's name originates from the local area, known for producing Perlak wood, which was highly valued for shipbuilding.
• 😀 Marco Polo visited Perlak in 1292 CE, referring to it as 'Perlek,' highlighting its international significance in trade.
• 😀 The kingdom of Perlak thrived as a key trading port, thanks to its strategic location facing the Malacca Strait, facilitating trade with regions such as China, Persia, and India.
• 😀 The economy of Perlak flourished, with commodities like pepper being cultivated in the region after it was introduced by Arab and Persian traders.
• 😀 Perlak's political structure was a monarchy, with the sultans ruling for life, and the kingdom had two main dynasties: the Shia and Sunni dynasties.
• 😀 The Shia dynasty was the first, lasting from 840 to 918 CE, after which the Sunni dynasty took over, leading to internal conflicts and civil wars between the two factions.
• 😀 Sultan Alauddin Malik Abdul Kadir Syah's reign saw the peak of Perlak's prosperity, supported by the efforts of key figures like Putri Nurul Ala, who played a crucial role in education and trade.
• 😀 Despite its success, Perlak was eventually defeated by Sriwijaya in 1006 CE, and in 1292 CE, it merged with Samudra Pasai under Sultan Muhammad Malik Al-Zahir, marking the end of its independence.

Q & A

What was the original religious affiliation of the Kingdom of Perlak before its conversion to Islam?

The Kingdom of Perlak was originally a Hindu-Buddhist state before converting to Islam.

Why is the Kingdom of Perlak considered the first Islamic kingdom in Indonesia, despite the later establishment of Samudra Pasai?

The Kingdom of Perlak, which existed between 840 and 1292 CE, predates Samudra Pasai (founded in 1267 CE), making it the first Islamic kingdom in the region.

How did the introduction of Islam to Perlak occur?

Islam was introduced to Perlak in 800 CE when a group of Shia Muslim missionaries from the Arab world arrived. Their efforts led to the conversion of the local ruler, Meurah Syahirnui, who became the first Muslim king of Perlak.

What role did intermarriage play in the spread of Islam in Perlak?

Intermarriage between local rulers and foreign Muslim traders helped to spread Islam more rapidly in Perlak. This blend of cultures and religions facilitated the acceptance of Islam among the population.

How did the strategic location of Perlak contribute to its prosperity?

Perlak's location along the Malacca Strait made it a key trading hub for merchants from Arabia, Gujarat, Persia, and China. Its timber, particularly Perlak wood, was in high demand for shipbuilding, contributing to its economic success.

What was the significance of the Zawiyah Bukit Cibrek and Zawiyah Cotkala in Perlak?

The Zawiyah Bukit Cibrek, established in 865 CE, was the first and oldest Islamic school in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Zawiyah Cotkala, founded in 899 CE, became another important center of Islamic learning, solidifying Perlak's role as a center of Islamic education.

What were the main causes of the internal conflicts in the Kingdom of Perlak?

The internal conflicts in Perlak were primarily driven by a power struggle between the Shia and Sunni factions, leading to multiple civil wars. The competition for control between these two factions resulted in political instability for several years.

How did the Kingdom of Perlak eventually fall?

The Kingdom of Perlak fell after years of internal conflict and external threats. In 1292 CE, it was merged with the Kingdom of Samudra Pasai under Sultan Muhammad Malik Al-Zahir, marking the end of Perlak's independence.

What role did Sultan Makdum Alauddin Malik Abdul Kadir Syah play in the kingdom’s prosperity?

Sultan Makdum Alauddin Malik Abdul Kadir Syah, reigning as the 17th Sultan of Perlak, is credited with leading the kingdom to its peak of prosperity. He worked closely with the influential Mangkubumi, Putri Nurul Ala, who played a key role in both military and economic advancements.

What impact did the external attacks from Sriwijaya have on the Kingdom of Perlak?

The attacks from Sriwijaya aimed to suppress the spread of Islam and assert control over the region. Although Perlak defended itself successfully, the continuous threats from Sriwijaya contributed to its eventual decline and merger with Samudra Pasai.