Malacca laws : the effect of islam and customs in the aspect of family law / Zanirah Mustafa@Busu and Intan Nurul ‘Ain Mohd Firdaus Kozako

Malacca Laws (Hukum Kanun Melaka), is a written law existed during the Malacca Sultanate. It was
established as a Malay customary law that is compatible with Islamic law. Malacca Laws is believed to be
enacted during the ruling period of Sultan Muhammad Shah (1424-1444 AD) and implemented during the reign
of Sultan Muzaffar Shah (1445-1458 AD), and methodically organized during the ruling period of Sultan
Mahmud Shah (1489 -1511 AD). Malacca Laws is the first Islamic law that was introduced by Sultan
Muhammad Shah in the state of Malacca. Its jurisdictions covered the Malacca state and all territories
conquered by Malacca. Malacca Laws which has 44 articles related to ruling power, laws, and taboos of family
law, significantly affects the laws of other states. Family aspects in Malacca Laws are discussed in the present
study to understand the influence of Islam and customs adopted in the past, in terms of their effects on the
family law as well as other laws. Literature search is used in the present study. The objective of this study is to
find articles that are related to family aspects contained in the Malacca Laws. The discussion focuses on matters
related to marriage, guardianship, and inheritance of property as well as some provisions of the law relating to
marriage