THE GLORY OF ISLAM IN MELAKA BENEATH TWO GENERATIONS OF EMPIRE (1445-1477)

Melaka emerged as a centre of international trade during 15th century, this foremost trade centre witnessed the presence of various races came around the globe with the aim of trading and selling goods brought. The divergent of cultures, religions, languages and customs has led to the growth of Malay society. The presence of Arab preachers has led to the development of Islam which has benefited to the community by embracing Islam as accordance to the rulers. The Malay World History has proved that Melaka served as the regional centre for propagation of Islam in the Southeast Asia. This arrival has made this state plays a significant role in disseminating the knowledge of Islam which became a dominant religion in the state during the 15^th century. The ruler’s intervention and efforts has made Melaka flourished in aspect of knowledge and spread of Islam. This article tends to further the efforts of two rulers that lead Islam during the glorious era of Melaka. The objective of article is to study roles and contribution amongst the rulers in spreading Islam in Melaka. Qualitative via descriptive analysis method was employed in order to answer the objective of study. The findings reveal that there were two sultanates of Melaka namely; Sultan Muzaffar Shah (1335-1459) and Sultan Mansur Shah (1459-1477) who were responsible to enhance the disseminating of Islam in Melaka during the century. Other factors contribute to Islamic growth in Melaka such as rapid development of knowledge, political stability, and the enforcement of Islamic law.