Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): Vol 1, No 3: December 2025

Published: 2026-02-24

Articles

ACEH AND KELATAN IN THE CONTEXT OF MECCA PORCH
Abdullah Sani Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Indonesia
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This article analyzes the historical and religious relationship between Aceh and Kelantan in the context of the nickname “Serambi Mekkah” (Veranda of Mecca), by tracing the process of Islamization, political dynamics, and the implementation of Islamic law in both regions. This study uses a historical-normative approach by examining classical literature, colonial sources, legislative documents, and contemporary academic references.

The results of the study show that Aceh and Kelantan are two regions in Southeast Asia that have a strategic position in the spread of Islam. Aceh is believed to be the first region in Indonesia to embrace Islam, with various theories developing, especially the theory of direct arrival from Arabia in the first century of Hijrah. Meanwhile, Kelantan is considered the earliest region to accept Islam in Peninsular Malaysia, through Arab trade routes and relations with Patani. These two regions then developed as centers of education, da'wah, and transit for pilgrims heading to the Holy Land, thus gaining socio-historical legitimacy as the “Veranda of Mecca.”

In contemporary developments, the implementation of Islamic law in Aceh has gained legal legitimacy through Law No. 44 of 1999 and Law No. 11 of 2006 on the Government of Aceh, which grant special status in the areas of religion, customs, and education. However, its implementation still faces structural and political limitations, particularly regarding the authority of the central government and implementation aspects at the regional level. In Kelantan, efforts to implement Sharia criminal law have taken place through parliamentary politics under the dominance of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), but have faced constitutional challenges within Malaysia's federal system.

This study concludes that although Aceh and Kelantan are both known as the “Veranda of Mecca” and have strong Islamic historical roots, the geopolitical context, constitutional system, and national political configuration of each country greatly influence the nature and effectiveness of Islamic law implementation in both regions.

Pages: 142-157

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Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): Vol 1, No 3: December 2025

Articles

ACEH AND KELATAN IN THE CONTEXT OF MECCA PORCH

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