A Glimpse Of The Earliest Forms Of Malaya’s Religious Administration In The Preindependence Period: Sir Ibrahim’s Masonic Affiliation And His Endorsement Towards Johor’s Islamic Advancement

In British Malaya, one sees a more developed form of Freemasonry in action; following its 'De-Christianization' move in India in the 18th century, had begun to admit native rulers into its fold. One of the Malay rulers initiated into the fraternity and who consequently played an important role in the development of his state was HRH Sultan Sir Ibrahim of Johor. His initiation into Freemasonry served to reinforce his political authority in his state without invoking British animosity. However, he was most influenced by the Masonic teaching of "making good men better"; from this, he published The By-Laws of Johore Royal Lodge in 1922, in which he integrated Quranic admonitions with Masonic principles. The Sultan sought to improve the administration of his kingdom using the exposure to efficient European bureaucracy he was exposed to in Freemasonry, and gave Islam a more omnipresent influence in Johor through providing Islamic education, and endorsing Islamic rituals throughout the year. Thus, Sultan Ibrahim has shown us how it was possible to find a common ground between Islam and Freemasonry, and to use Freemasonry to make one not only a good man better, but also a good Muslim better.