The historical development of islam and converts in Sabah, Malaysia: From the 14th century to the official designation of Islam as the state religion

Zaifuddin Md Rasip and Amir Hudhaifah Hamzah and Mohd Nur Hidayat Hasbollah Hajimin and Mohd Solleh Ab Razak and Sarip Adol and Syamsul Azizul Marinsah (2025) The historical development of islam and converts in Sabah, Malaysia: From the 14th century to the official designation of Islam as the state religion. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15. pp. 1556-1572. ISSN 2222-6990

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Abstract

This article examines the historical trajectory of Islam in Sabah, Malaysia from the 14th century to its official proclamation as the state religion in 1973, analyzing the key factors that facilitated the Islamization process alongside the challenges encountered. Employing a qualitative methodology, this study utilizes historical analysis and secondary sources, including manuscripts, colonial records, and prior scholarly works on the spread of Islam in Sabah. The findings reveal that Islam's dissemination was primarily driven by maritime trade, diplomatic engagements with the Sultanates of Brunei and Sulu, and the role of converts (mualaf) as intermediaries between Islam and indigenous communities. However, during the British colonial period, Islamic expansion faced significant impediments due to policies favoring Christianization, restrictions on Islamic missionary activities, and the expulsion of Muslim preachers. Following independence, the leadership of Tun Datu Mustapha and the establishment of the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) played a pivotal role in consolidating Islamic influence, resulting in an increase in the Muslim population from 38% in 1960 to 51% in 1980. The official designation of Islam as the state religion in 1973 further institutionalized Islamic governance through entities such as the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) and the Syariah Court. This study concludes that structured da'wah strategies, effective political leadership, and institutional development were instrumental in ensuring the sustained presence and expansion of Islam in Sabah. By contributing to the historiography of Islam in Malaysia, this article also offers valuable insights into da'wah efforts and the socioreligious identity formation of Sabah’s Muslim community.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Islam In Sabah, Mualaf, British Colonialism, Islamization, Tun Datu Mustapha
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1-610 Islam. Bahai Faith. Theosophy, etc. > BP1-253 Islam > BP1-68 General > BP50-68 History D World History and History Of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Etc. > DS Asia > DS1-937 History of Asia > DS520-560.72 Southeast Asia > DS591-599 Malaysia. Malay Peninsula. Straits Settlements > DS595.8-597.215 History
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Islamic Studies
Depositing User:	SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS -
Date Deposited:	20 Jun 2025 16:18
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2025 16:18
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/44212

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