SSC MTS EXAM

Detailed explanation-1: -Historically, it is not clear exactly how and when Islam came to Southeast Asia, but there is little doubt it was spread for the most part by merchants in the 12th century. By the time the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century, Islam had a firm footing.

Detailed explanation-2: -The first written sources of Islam in Southeast Asia in 916 AD came from a merchant describing his experience in 1851 on the Island of Sumatra. Over time a series of Muslim port villages emerged on the scarcely populated coast. Islamic teachers from these port villages ventured to the interior of Sumatra.

Detailed explanation-3: -Historic overview: In Asia, the spread of Islam took place gradually beginning soon after Prophet Muhammad (570-632 CE) proclaimed the religion in the Arabian Peninsula during the early seventh century.