The History and Muslim Communities in Bali
for its breathtaking landscapes and rich Hindu culture, also has a fascinating history of Islam. Although Islam is a minority religion on the island, it has played a significant role in shaping Bali's social and cultural landscape.
Currently, around 434,941 people, or 10.10% of Bali's population of 4,304,574, practice Islam. In this article, we will explore the history of Islam's arrival in Bali and delve into the Muslim communities that continue to thrive on the island.
This visit was part of an annual conference involving kingdoms from across the Indonesian archipelago.
As a sign of loyalty to Majapahit, Dalem Ketut Ngelesir returned to Bali accompanied by 40 attendants, two of whom were Muslim men, Raden Modin and Kiai Abdul Jalil, from Majapahit.
Upon their arrival in Bali, they established a settlement and built a mosque known as Masjid Gelgel, the oldest mosque on the island.
This mosque became the center of Islam’s spread in Bali. Raden Modin settled in Banjar Lebah, while Kiai Abdul Jalil continued his journey, eventually passing away in Desa Saren.
Before his death, Kiai Abdul Jalil left behind a Quran manuscript and a bedug (drum), both of which are now important historical artifacts of Bali's Islamic heritage.
Bali, known worldwide as a top tourist destination, has seen Muslim communities actively involved in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and trade. Their role in the local economy is pivotal, and their presence adds to the island’s rich diversity.
Moreover, the high level of interfaith tolerance between Muslims and Hindus in Bali demonstrates that different religions can coexist peacefully and harmoniously.
Conclusion:
Islam in Bali has a long and rich history, despite being a minority religion. From the establishment of Masjid Gelgel to the spread of Islam throughout the island, Muslim communities have left an indelible mark on Bali’s cultural and social fabric.
Today, Bali is not only a "Hindu Island" but also a place where diverse religious traditions coexist and contribute to the island's unique identity.
This diversity shows that different communities, regardless of their numbers, can make valuable contributions to the progress of society.
The Muslim communities in Bali, with their distinct history and traditions, continue to play an essential role in shaping the island’s future.
Currently, around 434,941 people, or 10.10% of Bali's population of 4,304,574, practice Islam. In this article, we will explore the history of Islam's arrival in Bali and delve into the Muslim communities that continue to thrive on the island.
The Arrival of Islam in Bali
Islam is believed to have first arrived in Bali during the 13th and 14th centuries, during the height of the Majapahit Empire. At that time, Dalem Ketut Ngelesir, the first king of the Gelgel Kingdom in Bali, traveled to the Majapahit Kingdom to meet with King Hayam Wuruk.This visit was part of an annual conference involving kingdoms from across the Indonesian archipelago.
As a sign of loyalty to Majapahit, Dalem Ketut Ngelesir returned to Bali accompanied by 40 attendants, two of whom were Muslim men, Raden Modin and Kiai Abdul Jalil, from Majapahit.
Upon their arrival in Bali, they established a settlement and built a mosque known as Masjid Gelgel, the oldest mosque on the island.
This mosque became the center of Islam’s spread in Bali. Raden Modin settled in Banjar Lebah, while Kiai Abdul Jalil continued his journey, eventually passing away in Desa Saren.
Before his death, Kiai Abdul Jalil left behind a Quran manuscript and a bedug (drum), both of which are now important historical artifacts of Bali's Islamic heritage.
Indigenous Muslim Communities in Bali
Over time, Islam grew and several Muslim communities began to form. Some of these communities have existed since the days of the Gelgel Kingdom and continue to flourish today. Here are some notable Muslim communities in Bali that have a long history:- Banjar Lebah, Saren Jawa (Karangasem)
Located in Karangasem Regency, Banjar Lebah is one of the areas where Islam spread after Raden Modin and Kiai Abdul Jalil’s influence. The community here continues to uphold the Islamic traditions they established centuries ago. - Kepaon and Serangan (Denpasar)
Denpasar, Bali’s capital, is home to a significant Muslim population, with neighborhoods like Kepaon and Serangan serving as vibrant centers for Islamic life. The mosques in these areas play an important role in the social and cultural activities of the community. - Kampung Pegayaman (Buleleng)
Kampung Pegayaman in Buleleng Regency is known for having a long history of Islam in Bali. The village continues to be a key site for the Islamic faith in northern Bali, with its unique blend of local customs and religious practices. - Kampung Loloan (Jembrana)
Located in Jembrana Regency, Kampung Loloan is another historical Muslim community. This village has a rich legacy of Islamic culture and serves as an important center for worship and community life. - Bedugul, Desa Candikuning (Tabanan)
The Muslim community in Bedugul, located in the Candikuning village of Tabanan, is a notable group that has contributed to the Islamic presence in Bali’s central highlands. The mosques in this region are central to the daily lives of local Muslims.
The Role of Islam in Bali’s Social Life
Islam in Bali not only serves as a religion but has also played an important role in various aspects of the island's social, cultural, and economic life. Although Muslims are a minority, they have managed to preserve their identity and contribute significantly to the island’s development.Bali, known worldwide as a top tourist destination, has seen Muslim communities actively involved in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and trade. Their role in the local economy is pivotal, and their presence adds to the island’s rich diversity.
Moreover, the high level of interfaith tolerance between Muslims and Hindus in Bali demonstrates that different religions can coexist peacefully and harmoniously.
Conclusion:
Islam in Bali has a long and rich history, despite being a minority religion. From the establishment of Masjid Gelgel to the spread of Islam throughout the island, Muslim communities have left an indelible mark on Bali’s cultural and social fabric.
Today, Bali is not only a "Hindu Island" but also a place where diverse religious traditions coexist and contribute to the island's unique identity.
This diversity shows that different communities, regardless of their numbers, can make valuable contributions to the progress of society.
The Muslim communities in Bali, with their distinct history and traditions, continue to play an essential role in shaping the island’s future.