Malaysia
Parameswara(15th century) was the Hindu king of Malaysia. His subjects honored him very much. He was known for his generosity. He was very secular & issued several grants for various Muslim traders. Parameswara patronized people of all faiths and had a significant presence of Muslims in his court and army. Malacca thus became a “multicultural” city where Hindus, Buddhists, Chinese, Animists, and Muslims existed.
In 1410, Parameswara’s kingdom was attacked by Siam & Majapahit. He was having a very tough time as his resources were limited. Muslim advisors of Parameswara offered to send in more Muslim soldiers to fight on his side if he converted to Islam. Parameswara rejected the offer. At this juncture, the Muslim merchants presented him with a damsel Parameswara fell in love with the beautiful slave girl and she became pregnant with his child. Childless Parameswara had been longing for an heir to his kingdom. He proposed to marry the damsel to make the child a legitimate heir. But she insisted that he must convert to Islam prior to marrying her. Surrounded by enemies, feeling desolate and childless, Parameshwara in his desperate desire for an heir eventually agreed. He converted to Islam and brought her to the palace as a legitimate queen. After conversion, he transformed his kingdom into a Muslim Sultanate.
Source:
- https://twitter.com/BharadwajSpeaks/status/1411715617455968258
- Islamic Jihad by MA Khan