Today, with 87% of its population being Muslim and a total population of 270 million, Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world. Due to its strategic position in maritime trade, the region was introduced to Islam from the first century of the Hijri calendar through the efforts of Muslim merchants and travelers.

However, the mass conversion of the local population to Islam began in the 13th century, facilitated by Sufi merchants from Yemen, Egypt, Central Asia, and China who arrived in Java. The activities of the “Nine Sufi Masters,” known as “Walisongo,” during the 15th century were particularly noteworthy.

The figures referred to as the “Nine Sufi Masters” were individuals who lived during different periods and were sometimes connected by familial ties. They carried out their guidance and mentoring activities in three main regions along the northern coast of Java: in East Java (Surabaya-Gresik-Lamongan), in Central Java (Demak-Kudus-Muria), and in West Java (Cirebon). Institutions such as the Ampel Denta madrasa, the Giri madrasa, and Watu Layar became centers of knowledge and wisdom for the local population. These centers not only spread Islamic civilization across Indonesia but also became hubs of Islamic scholarship for the archipelago.

As a result of the efforts of these nine sufi masters, the city of Demak on Java Island became the first city governed by Islamic principles in the 15th century CE.

Close contact and strategic alliances with kings and tribal leaders facilitated the widespread acceptance of Islam in the region. This approach led to Islam becoming dominant, significantly diminishing the influence of idolatry in the region.

The Nine Sufi Masters, also referred to as “Sunan”—a term used for religious guides and spiritual leaders in the region—are still respected and widely recognized among the Muslim community. Their graves are frequently visited and still revered and respected by the majority of Muslims in Java.

Here is an introduction to each of them:

Known as Sheikh Maulana Malik Ibrahim, he was a member of the Ba Alawi family and originally from Gujarat, India. He settled in the village of Leran near Gresik in Java, where he invited the Majapahit King to Islam. On a piece of land gifted by the king, he built a mosque, which became a center for Islamic teaching.

Maulana Malik Ibrahim’s mentoring work extended beyond education to helping the community by teaching agricultural techniques, trade ethics, and methods of healing. He is considered the founder of madrasas in Java. The students educated in these institutions spread Islam throughout the region by the end of the 16th century.

Born in 1448, Maulana Sharif Hidayatullah was the son of Sharif Abdullah Umdatuddin and Nyai Rara Santang. His lineage traces back to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through his father. After arriving in Cirebon in West Java in 1470, he began spreading Islam and played a key role in converting the Mataram Kingdom to Islam.

A skilled scholar and political leader, Maulana Sharif Hidayatullah combined spiritual guidance with administrative prowess. He passed away in 1570 at the age of 120 and was buried at the foot of Gunung Jati in Cirebon, a site still visited by many today.

Ahmad Rahmatullah bin Ibrahim, also known as Sunan Ampel, was born in 1401 in what is now southern Vietnam. He established ribats and madrasas in Ampel to spread Islam. He emphasized teaching fundamental sciences like jurisprudence, theology, and Sufism, leaving a significant scholarly legacy.

Sunan Ampel was a mentor to Raden Patah, the Sultan of Demak, and passed away around 1480 in Demak.

Gunung Jati, Indonesia

Hashim bin Ahmad, the son of Sunan Ampel, founded the Dalem Duwur madrasa in Drajat village. Known for his social and spiritual nature, he provided help to the oppressed, orphans, the sick, and the poor.

He composed hymns that contributed greatly to the spread of Islam and encouraged the practice of piety through seven key principles, which are still followed today.

Born in 1442 in Banyuwangi, Sultan Abdul Faqih was the son of Maulana Ishaq and a student of Sunan Ampel. He established madrasas in the Giri region and taught Islamic sciences such as jurisprudence, exegesis, and hadith.

He was known for his role in governance and spreading Islam across Java and nearby islands.

Born in 1465, Maulana Makdum Ibrahim, also known as Sunan Bonang, was the grandson of Sunan Gresik and the son of Sunan Ampel. He composed traditional songs with Islamic teachings to engage the local population and planted seeds of faith in their hearts.

Demak Grand Mosque, Indonesia

Known as Joko Said, he used innovative methods such as shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit) to spread Islamic teachings. He introduced agricultural techniques and worked closely with the community to make Islam more accessible.

Menara Kudus Mosque, Indonesia

Ja’far Sadiq, also known as Sunan Kudus, was a commander and a scholar of hadith, jurisprudence, and literature. He established the famous Menara Kudus Mosque and left a scholarly legacy through his works.

Menara Kudus Mosque and Muria Tomb, Indonesia

The son of Sunan Kalijaga, Maulana Raden Umar Said opened a madrasa in the Muria Mountains, focusing on spiritual teachings. He used shadow puppetry as a means to spread Islam and emphasized the remembrance of Allah.