Unraveling the Diverse Histories of Islam's Arrival in Betawi

The history of Islam's entry into the Betawi region of Indonesia is a subject of ongoing debate among historians and cultural experts, with various versions of events still being studied.

One prominent perspective suggests that Islam began to flourish following Fatahillah's conquest of Sunda Kelapa in 1527. However, another school of thought traces the origins of Islam's presence further back, to the missionary work of Syekh Quro in the early 15th century.

These differing viewpoints highlight that the Islamization of Betawi was a gradual process, shaped by the contributions of many influential scholars. Islam did not arrive in Betawi through a single, isolated event but rather spread over centuries via the da'wah (preaching) of scholars, traders, and community leaders from various regions.

According to Abdul Aziz, citing the book "Genealogi Intelektual Ulama Betawi" by Ustaz Rakhmad Zailani Kiki, a common understanding is that Islam entered Betawi during Fatahillah, also known as Fadhillah Khan's, campaign to conquer Sunda Kelapa and repel the Portuguese, on June 22, 1527.

Betawi cultural expert Ridwan Saidi offers a different version, stating that Islam first arrived in the region with Syekh Hasanuddin, later known as Syekh Quro, a scholar from Cambodia, in 1409. This marks the beginning of the development phase of Islam and the history of Islamic scholarship in Betawi, which included figures like Kian Santang, Pangeran Syarif Lubang Buaya, Pangeran Papak, Dato Tanjung Kait, Kumpi Dato Depok, Dato Tonggara, and Dato Ibrahim Condet, among others, from 1418 to 1527.