🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️

-THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE-

🇲🇾 The Unique Ancient Muslim Tombstone Arts in Omadal Island in Sabah, Malaysia.

Omadal Island is a significant location for understanding the local heritage of Semporna, particularly concerning the Bajau community and the spread of Islam.

🟡 Earliest History of Islam in Omadal and Semporna

Sulu Sultanate Influence: The broader Semporna region, including Omadal, was historically under the influence of the Sulu Sultanate. The Sulu Sultanate was a powerful Islamic state that flourished from the 15th century, and this link strongly facilitated the early Islamization of the coastal and island communities in eastern Sabah.

14th Century Roots: The development of Islam in Sabah generally dates back to the 14th century, driven by trade, diplomatic ties, and the migration of Muslim traders from Brunei and Mindanao.

Bajau Migration and Islam: The Bajau people's connection to Islam is intertwined with their migration stories. One popular legend among the Bajau Kubang (a sub-group of Bajau in Semporna) links their origin to a royal family from Johor (a state in Peninsular Malaysia). A prince named Seliangaya Bungsu is said to have sailed to Omadal (or Omaral) where his descendants settled. The presence of Malay (Johor) and Sulu royal figures in these narratives, both of which were Muslim-ruled, suggests a strong, early, but likely indirect, tie to the Islamic world.

The "Official" Shift: While Islam was present earlier through the Sulu Sultanate and Muslim communities like the Bajau, a significant phase of formal Islamization in the Semporna area occurred in the mid-20th century. For example, the Islamization of the nomadic Sama Dilaut (Sea Bajau) is noted to have begun in the mid-1950s when a government-appointed preacher invited one of their leaders to convert.

🟡 The Tombstone (Nisan Purba)

Evidence of Islamic Presence: The ancient tombstones, known as Nisan Purba, found on Pulau Omadal are considered key physical evidence of the early and long-standing presence of Islam among the local Bajau community.

Omadal Tombstone Museum: A small museum, the Muzium Nisan Purba, has been established on Pulau Omadal to showcase these artifacts. The exhibits highlight the unique artistry of the Bajau people in carving wood and stone tombstones.

Artifact Clues: The carvings and writings on these stones and other artifacts indicate that the people were Muslims and active in maritime commerce, often dealing with other islands and the mainland. This suggests that a settled, organized Muslim community existed there long ago, possibly dating back to the Sulu Sultanate era or even earlier contacts.

🟡 The Bajau People and Islam in Omadal

Bajau Kubang: Omadal Island is historically recognized as an important settlement for the Bajau Kubang (Land Bajau of Semporna), one of the major Bajau sub-groups in Semporna. They were known as dedicated sailors and fishermen.

** Not to be confused with Bajau Samah in Kota Belud and Tuaran **

Transition from Nomadic Life: Historically, many Bajau were sea-nomads (Sama Dilaut or Sea Bajau) who lived on boats (lepa). As they settled on islands like Omadal, they gradually adopted a more permanent, land-based life, leading to the formation of the Bajau Darat (Land Bajau of Semporna). This settlement process often coincided with a deeper integration into the mainstream Islamic faith and society, especially during the post-colonial period in Malaysia.

The history of Islam in Omadal is thus best understood as a gradual process, likely beginning with maritime contact under the Sulu Sultanate, solidified by the establishment of settled Bajau communities (evidenced by the tombstones), and then formalized by the Malaysian state in the latter half of the 20th century.

Credits Goes to the respective

Author ✍️/ Photographer📸

🐇 🕳️