The Sultans of Brunei Part 1

1. SULTAN MUHAMMAD SHAH (TM 1363 - 1402)

The first Muslim Sultan of Brunei (previously known as Awang Alak Betatar). After marrying in TM 1368 with Puteri Dayang Pingai, the Princess of Johor or Temasek (Old Singapore), His Majesty was known as Sultan Muhammad Shah. In TM 1371, sent a messenger to China. In Chinese records His Majesty is called Ma-ha-mo-sha. Her Majesty's Princess, Princess Ratna Dewi married the younger brother of the Emperor of China, Ong Sum Ping (Pengiran Maharaja Lela). His Majesty protected in TM 1402.

2. SULTAN AHMAD (TM 1408 - 1425)

He ascended the throne in TM 1408, before that he was known as Pateh Berbai. Pengiran is the first Treasurer for Brunei. His Majesty is referred to as Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara. Married to Ong Sum Ping's sister (Pengiran Maharaja Lela). Being the father-in-law of Sultan Sharif 'Ali. His Majesty protected in the year TM 1425 and was replaced by His Majesty's son-in-law, Sultan Sharif 'Ali.

3. SULTAN SHARIF 'ALI (TM 1425 - 1432)

Sultan Sharif 'Ali ibnu Sharif 'Ajlan ascended the throne in TM 1425 to replace his father-in-law, Sultan Ahmad who had no heir (son). His Majesty was honored to become Sultan with the consent of the country's dignitaries and the people of Brunei. He is of Arab descent, from Taif. The 'Sword of the Bent' that His Majesty brought with him to Brunei proves that His Majesty was once the Amir of Makkah, namely Al-Amir Sharif 'Ali bin Sharif 'Ajlan bin Sharif Rumaithah bin Sharif Muhammad Abu Numaie Al-Awwal, has a line of descent from the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam through His Majesty's grandson, Sayidina Hasan. Considering his service and wisdom in spreading the teachings of Islam, he was betrothed by Sultan Ahmad to his daughter, Puteri Ratna Kesuma. His Majesty protected in TM 1432 and was replaced by His Majesty's son, Pengiran Muda Besar Sulaiman.

4. SULTAN SULAIMAN (TM 1432 - 1485)

He ascended the throne in TM 1432 and abdicated in TM 1485. He abdicated in TM 1511 and was succeeded by his son, Pengiran Muda Bolkiah.

5. SULTAN BOLKIAH (TM 1485 - 1524)

His Majesty ascended the throne in TM 1485. TM 1521, the group of Ferdinand Magellan and Antonio Pigafetta visited Brunei. During His Majesty's time, Brunei's rule not only covered the entire island of Borneo such as Sambas, Tanjungpura, Kota Waringin, Banjarmasin, Pasir, Kutai, Bolongan and others but even the islands of Suluk, Palawan, Keramian to Saludang (Luzon), which are areas that now known as the Philippines. His Majesty's reign is said to be the golden age of the Brunei Empire. His Majesty's most famous queen is Princess Laila Menchanai. His Majesty was protected in TM 1524, it is said because of the piercing of the gold needle used by Princess Laila Menchanai while embroidering when His Majesty was fighting in the queen's lap. His Majesty was succeeded by His Majesty's son, Pengiran Muda Tengah 'Abdul Kahar.

6. SULTAN ABDUL KAHAR (TM 1524 - 1530)

His Majesty ascended the throne in TM 1524. In TM 1521, a group of Ferdinand Magellan and Antonio Pigafetta visited Brunei when His Majesty was Acting Sultan. TM 1526 a Portuguese named George de Menezes came to Brunei with the aim of doing business as well as seeking support to conquer Brunei. But since Brunei's strength at that time was strong, it was expected that it would be quite difficult to defeat, so the purpose of doing business was to continue. Accordingly, he has successfully made a friendship and trade agreement with the Sultan of Brunei. Since then, the Portuguese imported black pepper, sago, fish, rice, gold and other food items from Brunei to Malacca; in addition to using ports and waters, Brunei became a stopover and shipping traffic for them from Cochin to Malacca, from Malacca to Maluku and vice versa. AD 1530, another Portuguese officer named Goncalo Pereira had also come to Brunei to observe the state of Brunei while doing business but his business did not develop and eventually disappeared. However, many Islamic scholars still come to Brunei. He abdicated in TM 1530 with the title Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan 'Abdul Kahar. He protected in TM 1578, and was replaced by his brother's son, Pengiran Anak Chuchu Besar Saiful Besar.

7. SULTAN SAIFUL RIZAL (TM 1533 - 1581)

He ascended the throne in TM 1533. In TM 1578, Brunei was attacked by Spain in Manila. The attack became known as the 'Castile War' but was successfully repelled by Pengiran Bendahara Sakam with Orang Kaya Harimau Padang, 100 distinguished warriors and people who obeyed the Sultan. In this year, the Jame' Brunei Mosque was also burned by the Spanish. His Majesty protected in TM 1581 and was replaced by His Majesty's son, Pengiran Muda Besar Shah Brunei.