Sharia and Islamic Law in the State Of Pahang: Development and Historical Experience

This study traces the historical development of Shar??ah and the Islamic legal system in the state of Pahang, beginning from the era of the classical Malay Sultanate to modern administration. It examines the evolution of the Islamic judicial structure, the roles of the ulama and religious institutions, as well as the impact of British colonial rule on Sharia administration. Employing a historical and documentary analytical approach, the study investigates primary sources such as the Hukum Kanun Pahang, colonial administrative records and earlier fatwas alongside secondary sources that include works by local and international scholars. The findings indicate that Pahang possesses a strong Islamic legal heritage grounded in Sharia principles and Malay-Islamic traditions which continues to shape the contemporary legal system. Although British intervention introduced legal dualism and curtailed the jurisdiction of the Sharia courts, Islamic legal values remain embedded within the state’s social, political and administrative structures. The study argues that understanding the historical experience of Islamic law in Pahang is essential for strengthening contemporary Islamic legal reform and for developing a contextualized model of Fiqh al-Wa?an that aligns with the realities of modern Malaysia.