Mechanisms of Islamic Diplomacy in the Tun Tuah Narrative

Abstract

Generally, historical novels draw inspiration from various documentary sources or historical materials to shape their narrative plots. However, this paper focuses on historical-themed novels that draw upon events derived from selected traditional manuscripts. These manuscripts specifically highlight the relationship between the Malay Sultanate of Melaka and other states in ensuring power, security, and economic interests between nations. Inter-state relations reflect the wisdom of past civilisations as a strategy to broaden mutual understanding, strengthen political standing by securing protection from great powers, and foster mutual respect despite differences in religion and culture. Indeed, diplomacy is also regarded as an art in establishing and consolidating relations between nations. One of the most prominent accounts of diplomacy is the relationship between the Melaka Sultanate and China, as narrated in the historical novel Tun Tuah by Affifudin Omar. This paper seeks to examine the diplomatic ties between the Melaka Sultanate and other kingdoms as portrayed by the author in the novel Tun Tuah. A close reading of the novel was undertaken to understand the storyline and to identify the diplomatic relations highlighted between the Melaka Sultanate and other kingdoms. The analysis is guided by the Theory of Islamic Diplomacy as proposed by Wang Yong Bao (Ahmed Musa); however, this study only focuses on three out of the six principles, namely Islam as a universal religion, tolerance (tasamuh), and peaceful relations. The findings reveal that the author underscores diplomatic relations that are consistent with the principles advocated in the Theory of Islamic Diplomacy. Ultimately, the author indirectly foregrounds the sophistication of civilisation through the depiction of diplomacy in this work of fiction.

Keywords: Historical novel, diplomacy, Theory of Islamic Diplomacy, universal religion, tolerance, and peaceful relations.