Islam in East Java

The spread of Islam in East Java is largely due to the role of Wali Songo, the legendary Sufi saints, during the 14th century.

Malik Ibrahim was the first of the saints who moved across East Java for proselytization after the power of the Majapahit Empire weakened.

These saints had certain skills and mercantile interests they could provide to the local populations, such as knowledge about irrigation, while also being able to guide and teach people regarding Islam at the same time.

He often invoked the power of ancient Javanese supernatural themes, sponsored mystical literature, and identified as a Sufi warrior.

[7] More recently, kejawen has been relegated to rural pockets following the proliferation of Islamic orthodoxy in the late 20th century.