The Advent of Islam and its Influence on the Malays’ Thoughts, Culture and Educational Tradition in Malaysia

Islam emerges as a significant and influential the main religion in the Malay world is Islam. Both regional and global historical sources provide evidence on the rapid expansion of Islam and its dynamic growth in the archipelago. Local and international historians also proved the historical development of Islam and its influence on Malay society in all facets of their life. Nevertheless, modern generation of Malaysians have less concerned and sensitive with this historical development to be noted as a glorious achievement of Islam in this region. Thus, the objective of this research paper aims at exploring the advent of Islam in Malaysia from historical perspective. This research paper analyses the Malay system belief before and post arrival of Islam in Malaysia. This paper also studies the influence of Islam on the Malay’s thought, culture and educational tradition in Malaysia. The most fundamental development of Muslims’ life in the Malay world is the awareness on Islamic historiography among young generations which could give inspire and strengthen their identity towards understanding Islamic and Muslim history.