Book review: Islam in Malaysia: An Entwined History Open Access

Khairudin Aljunied’s Islam in Malaysia: An Entwined History (2019) presents a comprehensive exploration of Islam’s historical evolution in Malaysia, emphasizing its multifaceted developments over a millennium. Published by Oxford University Press, this book moves beyond conventional narratives that often isolate Malaysia’s Islamic history from broader global interactions. Instead, Aljunied introduces the concept of “entwined history,” a methodological approach that considers the dynamic interplay between local and global forces shaping Islam in Malaysia. Through this framework, the author effectively reconstructs the complex process of Islamization, highlighting the roles of various actors, including religious scholars, colonial administrators, political leaders and non-Muslims.

The book is organized into four thematic periods of Islamization: Gradualist, Populist, Reformist and Triumphalist Islamization. Each section carefully dissects different historical phases, emphasizing how Islam was gradually infused into Malaysian society, became a populist tool for political elites, underwent reformist transformations and later evolved into a triumphalist state ideology.

The first section delves into the earliest introduction of Islam to the Malay Peninsula, tracing its roots to trade, migration and Sufi missionary activities. Aljunied provides compelling evidence that Islam’s early spread was not marked by violent conquest but by a gradual integration into pre-existing belief systems. He examines artifacts such as the Terengganu Stone and historical accounts of early Islamic settlements, arguing that Islamization during this period was deeply intertwined with the region’s existing Hindu-Buddhist traditions.

This section highlights the role of Malay rulers and Islamic scholars in institutionalizing Islam as a central component of political legitimacy. The book examines the period of the kerajaan (Malay kingdoms), where Islamic institutions gained prominence through royal patronage. Particularly noteworthy is Aljunied’s discussion on female rulers, such as Cik Siti Wan Kembang, who played crucial roles in propagating Islam. He also examines how Islam became embedded in cultural and legal practices, forming a unique blend of local traditions and religious orthodoxy.

The book then shifts to the colonial period, where Islamization took on a new dimension due to the influence of global Islamic reform movements and resistance to Western imperialism. Aljunied examines how colonial policies attempted to relegate Islam to the private sphere while simultaneously using Islamic institutions to maintain social order. The rise of Islamic modernist movements, inspired by thinkers from the Middle East and South Asia, is also explored in detail. Figures such as To’ Kenali and reformist scholars of madrasahs played pivotal roles in revitalizing Islamic thought, advocating for educational reforms and greater engagement with global Islamic discourses.

The final section discusses the post-independence period, where Islam became central to state-building efforts. The author argues that the Malaysian state’s approach to Islam has been characterized by a triumphalist narrative, where Islamic identity is closely linked to Malay nationalism. He examines government policies such as the National Fatwa Council and JAKIM, which institutionalized Islamic governance. Additionally, he critiques the exclusionary tendencies of state-led Islamization, which have sometimes marginalized non-Muslims and alternative interpretations of Islam. The book also explores contemporary debates over Islamic law, the role of Islamic NGOs and the influence of transnational Islamic movements in Malaysia.

One of the major strengths is its methodological innovation. By adopting the concept of “entwined history,” Aljunied moves away from static, nation-centered analyses and situates Malaysia within a larger transregional Islamic network. His ability to weave together different historical epochs, actors and external influences results in a nuanced and dynamic narrative.

The book excels in integrating social, political and intellectual history. Rather than focusing solely on elite actors, Aljunied includes perspectives from ordinary Muslims, women and non-Muslims, demonstrating how Islamization was a collective and contested process. The emphasis on popular religious practices and local adaptations of Islamic thought adds depth to the analysis, making the book accessible to both scholars and general readers.

Another notable strength is Aljunied’s engagement with primary sources. The book draws on a diverse range of historical documents, inscriptions, colonial records and oral histories, enriching the reader’s understanding of Malaysia’s Islamic heritage. The use of visual materials, such as images of historical artifacts and architectural sites, further enhances the narrative.

While the book is a valuable contribution to the field, some areas could have been further developed. For instance, the discussion on contemporary Islamic movements in Malaysia, such as Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and liberal Islamic organizations, could have been expanded. Although Aljunied addresses state-led Islamization, more engagement with grassroots Islamic activism and its implications for Malaysian society today would have strengthened the final chapters.

The focus on macro-historical trends sometimes leads to the underrepresentation of regional variations within Malaysia. While national narratives of Islamization are well-covered, a more localized examination of Islamic practices in states like Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak could provide further insight into the diversity of Malaysian Islam.

Overall, Islam in Malaysia: An Entwined History is a significant scholarly work that offers a fresh perspective on the historical development of Islam in Malaysia. Aljunied’s interdisciplinary approach, rich historical analysis and engagement with global Islamic networks make this book an essential read for scholars of Southeast Asian studies, Islamic history and political science. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of local and global forces, the book challenges simplistic narratives of Islamization and presents a more intricate understanding of how Islam has shaped—and been shaped by—Malaysia’s historical trajectory. Despite minor gaps, the book stands as a seminal contribution to the study of Islam in Southeast Asia, providing readers with a compelling and thought-provoking analysis of one of the region’s most influential religious traditions.