At Tarikh Salasilah dan Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa Sebagai Sumber Persejarahan Kedah: Persoalan Kesejarahan dalam Isu Kedatangan dan Penyebaran Islam di Kedah/ At Tarikh Salasilah and Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa as a Source of Kedah’s History: Historical Questions in The Advent and Development of islam in Kedah

This study explores the advent and spread of Islam in Kedah through two key historiographical sources: At Tarikh Salasilah Negeri Kedah and Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa. The history of Islam’s arrival in Kedah has long been debated, as multiple versions combine factual and legendary elements, creating uncertainty about their reliability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the historical value of both texts and determine their significance in reconstructing Kedah’s Islamisation narrative. Using a qualitative approach, the research applies library research, textual analysis, and comparative study (Ibrahim, 1991; Zainal Abidin, 1991). Findings indicate that At Tarikh Salasilah presents stronger historical grounding, with clearer chronology and factual references, while Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa contains substantial non-historical elements and anachronisms. Archaeological evidence, such as the tomb of Syeikh Abdullah at Padang Tok Syeikh, further supports the credibility of At Tarikh Salasilah. Overall, this study concludes that At Tarikh Salasilah is the more reliable source for understanding Kedah’s Islamisation. It is hoped that these findings will contribute to a more critical discourse on Islamic historiography in the Malay world.