Muhammad Shah of Brunei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paduka Sultan Muhammad Shah |
|
|---|---|
| 1st Sultan of Brunei | |
| Reign | 1363 AD – 1402 AD |
| Predecessor | Position Established |
| Successor | Abdul Majid Hassan |
| Born | 14th century Brunei |
| Died | 1402 CE |
| Father | Ibrahim Shah |
| Mother | Tunku Mala |
| Religion | Sunni Islam |
Muhammad Shah was the first sultan of Brunei. He was born as Awang Alak Betatar. He is known for starting the Sultanate of Brunei, which is a kingdom ruled by a sultan. He likely ruled from around 1363 to 1402. We don't know much about his family history, as it comes from different old stories and legends.
Becoming Sultan of Brunei
We don't know much about Muhammad Shah's early life. He created the Sultanate of Brunei with the help of his brothers. These were Awang Pateh Berbai (who later became Ahmad of Brunei, the second Sultan) and Awang Semaun.
Muhammad Shah ruled as a leader called Raja Awang Alak Betatar. This was until the early 1360s. He then became a Muslim and changed his name to Muhammad Shah. He did this to marry the daughter of the King of Temasik, which is now known as Johor or Old Singapore.
His Rule and Family
Muhammad Shah sent a special group of people to China in 1371. An old Chinese book from that time, called the Ming Shih, mentions a king of Brunei in 1370 named Ma-ho-mo-sa. Many historians in Brunei believe this name refers to Muhammad Shah. However, some think it might mean "Mahmud Shah." Another idea is that "Ma-ho-mo-sa" could sound like "Maha Moksha," which is a Buddhist name meaning "Great Eternity." This fits because the Chinese records say his successor also had a Buddhist name.
Muhammad Shah died in 1402. After him, Sultan Abdul Majid Hassan became the next ruler.
It's not fully clear whom Muhammad Shah married. Some records say it was the daughter of Iskandar Shah. Others say it was the daughter of Sang Nila Utama. Both of these people were from a royal family called the House of Sang Sapurba.
Muhammad Shah had a daughter named Princess Ratna Dewi. She is said to have married a Chinese trader named Ong Sum Ping. He set up a trading post on the Kinabatangan River. Because of this, he was given the important title of Pengiran Maharaja Lela. He also became the Chief of Kinabatangan.
There is some proof that Islam was present in the Brunei area even before Muhammad Shah started the Sultanate. It seems there might have been Muslim rulers there before him.
See also
- In Spanish: Muhammad Shah de Brunéi para niños
