The History of Islamic Preaching by Scholars in Terengganu up to the Year 1888

The development of Islam in Terengganu was significantly shaped by advancements in knowledge, Islamic preaching (dakwah), language, trade, political progress, and familial ties, particularly through marriage. The region’s strategic location and the surrounding Malay cultural environment played a crucial role in promoting Islamic values, particularly in governance, socio-economic development, and religious education. By the 7th to 13th centuries CE, Islam had firmly taken root in Terengganu, becoming the foundation of governance and influencing various aspects of society. The integration of Islam into the region’s political and social fabric was driven by the efforts of scholars, local leaders, and rulers who actively spread Islamic teachings through formal institutions like mosques and traditional Islamic schools (pondok). Islamic scholars employed a variety of strategies for preaching, including governance, education, trade, and the promotion of intellectual culture. The ruling class in Terengganu not only embraced Islam as a central belief system but also regarded it as the cornerstone of civilization. As a result, Islamic law gradually replaced the Hindu-Buddhist-based customary practices that had previously guided the region's legal systems. This transition can be seen in the significant shift towards Islamic governance, where Islamic principles were established as the foundation of both social and political order. Evidence of Islam’s early institutional role in Terengganu can be found in historical artifacts, such as the Batu Bersurat (inscribed stone tablet), which documents the adoption of Islamic laws and regulations. The concerted efforts of scholars and rulers to institutionalize Islam in Terengganu culminated in the formalization of the state’s governance framework with the creation of the Undang-Undang Tubuh Bagi Diri Kerajaan Terengganu (Terengganu State Constitution) in 1911. This document highlights the deep-rooted influence of Islamic principles in shaping the state's political and legal structure.