Islamic spread in Java

The spread of Islam in Java occurred mainly through trade, marriage, and Sufi missionaries starting around the 13th century. Muslim merchants from India, Persia, and Arabia traveled to Java, establishing economic and social links. Sufi mystics played a key role by sharing Islamic teachings in approachable ways, often blending local culture. Over time, local rulers adopted Islam, influencing the wider population. This gradual process transformed Java’s religious landscape, leading to the widespread presence of Islam that persists today, shaping cultural practices, governance, and society, while coexisting with indigenous traditions.