TSAQAFAH : Jurnal Peradaban Islam
Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026): Tsaqafah Jurnal Peradaban Islam

Revisiting Early Islamic Trade Networks in Nusantara: A Comparative Study of Three Historical Sources

Muhammad Faiz (Universitas Islam Negeri Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq Jember, Indonesia, Jl. Mataram No.1, Karang Miuwo, Mangli, Kec. Kaliwates, Kabupaten Jember, Jawa Timur 68136)
Muhammad Hasbi Abror BM (Universitas Islam Negeri Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq, Jl. Mataram No.1, Karang Miuwo, Mangli, Kec. Kaliwates, Kabupaten Jember, Jawa Timur 68136)
Arwansyah Kirin (Universitas Tun Hussein Onn Malayasia (UTHM), Malaysia, Persiaran Tun Dr. Ismail, 86400 Parit Raja, Johor Darul Ta'
zim)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 May 2026

Abstract

The theory of the arrival of Islam in Indonesia cannot be separated from the historical evidence discovered over the past century. New historical evidence can strengthen one theory and weaken another, but more importantly, how this scattered evidence can be connected within a coherent narrative framework. This article seeks to clarify the existing historical evidence within the oldest scope as part of authentic historical writing, with a particular focus on the relationship between three primary sources that have often been analyzed separately. The method used is a historical research method that includes heuristics, verification, interpretation, and historiography. The primary sources used in the form of a manuscript of Al-Masalik wa Al-Mamalik by Ibn Khurdadhbih, thetombstone of Abu Kamil from Phan Rang, southern Champa, and the tombstone of Fatimah binti Maimun from Leran, Gresik. The results of the study reveal the Islamic trade network contained in the oldest source and its relationship with the two primary sources in the form of tombstones, all of which show a similar pattern of trade routes connecting the Islamic world with China through the Nusantara. This network is the Malay-Javanese-Champa-Chinese trading network which has been operating since the IX century AD and has left archaeological evidence that can still be seen today.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

tsq

Publisher

Subject

Description

Tsaqafah is a journal published by the University of Darussalam Gontor with its aims related to Islamic Civilization. What we refer to as Islamic Civilization, in accordance with the terminology elucidated in Islam as Religion and Civilization by Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi, consists of two substantial ...