Malay Scholars Research Articles

Malay Ulama in Deli Land: The Life, Manuscripts, and Intellectual Networks of Shaykh Hasan Ma‘sum (d. 1936)

Abstract: This article examines the life, manuscript legacy, and intellectual network of Shaykh Hasan Ma‘sum, one of the most influential Malay scholars in the early 20th century in East Sumatra. He was one of the finest disciples of Syekh Ahmad Khatib al-Minangkabawi at Masjidil Haram and the esteemed mentor of the founders and scholars of Al Washliyah, Al Ittihadiyah, and Nahdlatul Ulama in East Sumatra. This study adopts a biographical research approach within a historical framework. The primary sources for this research are the works of Shaykh Hasan Ma‘sum, which are subsequently analyzed using content analysis methodology. The findings of the study reinforce Azra’s thesis regarding the pattern of intellectual relations among Nusantara scholars, where Shaykh Hasan Ma‘sum studied under several prominent scholars in Haramain, and later had numerous disciples in East Sumatra. Shaykh Hasan Ma‘sum also enriched the traditional Islamic literature by writing and publishing numerous manuscripts. All of his works, which were penned in Malay with Arabic script, and some in Arabic, encompass various fields including creed, jurisprudence, mysticism, and astronomy. Keywords: Malay, ulama, East Sumatra, manuscripts, intellectual networks

An Overview On Ottoman Manuscript Collection in the Sayyid Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas Library

This paper endeavors to give a quick view of the Ottoman manuscript (Osmanlı elyazmaları) collection at Sayyid Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas Library (SMNAL) of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) by reviewing a published catalog. The Ottoman manuscripts, which mean texts written in the Ottoman Turkish language, were collected during the first part of the 1990s, inventoried, and cataloged during the early period of ISTAC. The collection possesses two hundred manuscripts on diverse subjects. This makes the SMNAL the most pertinent library in Southeast Asia, a place hoard of Ottoman Turkish manuscripts. This initiation of acquiring a certain number of Ottoman manuscripts by Sayyid Muhammad Naquib al-Attas which seems to have been purchased in the late decades of the twentieth century is no doubt an opening towards the path to the study of the Ottoman civilizational and intellectual eco-system among the Malay scholars and students of the Ottoman studies (Turcologists).

A Review of Psychology in the Astronomical Thought of Shaykh Abdullah Fahim

Astronomy is a very important field because its use covers the entire daily activities of human beings. With the knowledge of astronomy, humans can plan activities well. This study seeks to examine the philosophy of astronomy in the thought of Shaykh Abdullah Fahim (1869 - 1961 AD), a prominent scholar of Penang and its impact on life. Shaykh Abdullah Fahim received his education in astronomy and other religious sciences in Makkah and Madinah. He also took the Naqsyabandiyyah tariqat from his teacher Sayyid Muhammad Amin bin Ahmad Al-Madani. In terms of his educational background, it is almost the same as the Indonesian Minangkabau scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Jamil Jambek bin Saleh Datuak Maleka (1862 - 1947) who has skills in astronomy, and a practitioner of the Naqsyabandiyyah tariqah. On the other hand, this study seeks to look at the significance of this field of astronomy to human psychology according to his point of view. This qualitative -based study uses a fully library approach to gather as much information about Shaykh Abdullah Fahim especially in the field of astronomy. Cross reference is made to the figures of the contemporary Malay scholars to obtain further information about the figures involved in teaching astronomy. In the context of psychology, the field of astronomy is not only able to trigger a high level of thinking but at the same time able to provide motivation and inspiration to humans to start an activity in daily life.

The Contribution of Non-Malay Architects to the Development of National Architecture Identity in Malaysia

The idea of adapting Malay traditional architectural values has been gazetted as one of the resolutions for National Architecture Identity as presented in ‘Seminar Ke Arah Identiti Kebangsaan Dalam Seni Bina’ in 1981. The resolution heavily influenced the adaptation of traditional Malay architecture, motives, and artefact onto modern architecture as a form to inculcate a singular and united national identity. A lot of research and documentation on good and meaningful architecture embracing the ideals of National architecture identity through the worldview and perspectives of Malay scholars and architects have been documented through books, journals, magazines and extensively discussed during seminars, symposiums, and discourses. Ironically, the contributions of Non-Malay architects adapting Malay symbolism to enunciate or articulate national pride and identity, either due to policies or interest, are minimally discussed and highlighted. This publication attempted to document the contributions of non-Malay architects to the national architecture identity construct. It is crucial to shape future philosophies, theories, criticisms, and thoughts on the overall built environment in developing a comprehensive construct of national architectural identity that does not necessarily rely on ethnocentric criteria based on a single race dominance. The research allows us to expand and progress the local architecture narrative by including diverse voices and thoughts, especially of those who have contributed extensively in the eras of nation-building. This inclusive and diverse input will, in turn, inform and expand the discourse of national identity and unity.

MUHAMMADIYAH YOUTH'S PROCLAMATION OF ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION IN INDONESIA THROUGH DAKWAH COMMUNICATION

This article delves into the pivotal role of Muhammadiyah Youth's preaching communication in Indonesia, focusing on its contribution to the nation's independence. The organization's primary aim is to address and rectify deviations within the da'wah process, while also promoting an advanced and educated social and educational structure. Employing a qualitative research methodology through library research, the study draws from primary sources, including Books of Islamic Intellectual Treasures, Islamic Intellectual Reform, Contextualization of Islamic Doctrine in History, and Intellectual Tradition of Malay Scholars of the 18th Century AD, alongside relevant secondary data. Data collection involves four techniques: heuristics, verification, interpretation (analysis and synthesis), and historiography. The research reveals that Muhammadiyah Youth's da'wah communication encompasses three key domains: godliness, focusing on God, His attributes, and the universe's relationship with Him; morality, addressing human behavior, relationships with God, others, and the universe; and physics, exploring nature's growth and development.The relevance of Muhammadiyah Youth's preaching communication is demonstrated through four doctrines: enlightening the people, promoting charitable actions, fostering cooperation for virtue, and steering clear of political pragmatism. To ensure continuous and responsive da'wah in a dynamically changing society, it is crucial to anticipate the negative implications of information and communication globalization. The study advocates for informative, comprehensive, targeted, and sustainable preaching, leading to the effective implementation of Islamic sharia in society, transcending mere legal aspects.

Contextualization of Amthal Verses in Quranic Malay Translation

The Quran’s language is of great height and beauty, which is one of its many benefits. The manner of the Quranic language enthralled anyone who heard it among the Arabs. The employment of metaphors or amthal is one of the ways the Quran is conveyed. The Quran’s translation into other languages has become necessary in order to communicate the meaning of the Quran to individuals who do not speak Arabic. The Quran translation presents its own set of hurdles and difficulties (Al-Nadawi, 1417H). Amthal musarrahah must be read in light of the verse’s context, and this must be considered when translating the Quran. As a result, the goal of this research is to examine Malay scholars’ translations of the amthal verses and then offer translation recommendations based on the mufassirin’s interpretation. The study is a qualitative research that employs content analysis. In the translation of the Quran into Malay, the research made Tafsir Pimpinan al-Rahman, Terjemahan al-Quran Yayasan Restu, and Mahmud Yunus’ Tafsir al-Quran as references. Only a few Quranic metaphors were chosen as part of the research sample. The study discovered that all three Quranic translations chose to render metaphorical verses in literal form without providing a more in-depth explanation of the metaphorical verses’ context. As a result of, it is determined that there is a need to improve the translation of these metaphorical verses in order to transmit a more comprehensive understanding to the target audience.

The Popularizing of Sunni Doctrine in Southeast Asia: Sifat Dua Puluh in Malay Kitab Jawi in the 19th Century

Sifat Dua Puluh (twenty attributes of God) is a specific term of Malay to convey the doctrine of the Sunni school in Southeast Asia. Adapted from a renowned book of Yusuf al-Sanusi, Umm al-Barāhīn, this term began to appear in the 19th century as a leading Islamic theme in the kitab Jawi of Malay scholars in Mecca (Jawa). The scholars translated the book into Malay and expounded its contents in the form of commentaries (sharḥ), a rising style of writing kitab Jawi on the doctrine of the period. This article is to present a historical analysis of the way Sifat Dua Puluh became an established concept of Sunni theology in the Southeast Asian context, which served to convey the Sunni creeds in a popularly vernacular expression of the Muslims in the region. Sifat Dua Puluh was taken as the Islamic subject transmitted of the period, alongside the reprinting of kitab Jawi to disseminate the concept to Southeast Asia.

The Popularizing of Sunni Doctrine In Southeast Asia: Sifat Dua Puluh in Malay Kitab Jawi of the 19th Century

Sifat dua puluh (twenty attributes of God) is a specific Malay term to convey the doctrine of Sunni tradition in Southeast Asia. Formulated to digest the substance of a renowned book of Yusūf al-Sanūsī, Umm al-Barāhīn, this term began to appear in the 19th century as a leading Islamic theme in the kitab jawi of Malay scholars in Mecca. The scholars translated the book into Malay and expounded its contents in the form of commentaries (sharḥ), a rising style of writing kitab jawi on the doctrine of the period. Malay scholars' use of the term in Mecca was transmitted and then reproduced alongside the printing of kitab jawi in Southeast Asia. This process led the Sunni theology to constitute an Islamic orthodoxy in the region. This article presents a historical analysis of how sifat dua puluh became an established concept of Sunni theology in the Southeast Asian context, putting the mentioned work of al-Sanūsī as the source of the production of Sunni creeds in a popularly vernacular expression of the Muslims in the region.

Minang Ulamas And Religious Conversions In South Sulawesi And North Mollucas

This study aims to explain the role of Minang Malay ulama in the process of religious conversion of the rulers in South Sulawesi and in North Maluku. This study uses qualitative research using a historical method approach that begins with heuristic steps (collection of sources), verification (source criticism), both internal and external, interpretation, and ends with historiography (writing). The conclusion found that the existence of Muslims in South Sulawesi existed long before Islam was made the official religion of the Bugis Makassar kingdoms. The process of religious conversion from animism and dynamism to become a Muslim thanks to the services of three Minang Malay scholars, namely Datuk ri Tiro, Datuk ri Bandang and Datuk Patimang. The bias from interactions with the Minang Malays to this day has left its mark on the lives of the Makassarese in South Sulawesi. The same case also occurred in North Maluku. Historical sources show that the Minang Malay Ulama had a major role in convincing North Maluku Kolano to accept Sharia Islam voluntarily.

Malay Epistemology as seen in Malay Theological Works Written in Jawi from the 17th to the 19th Century

This paper intends to investigate the issue of knowledge and ways of acquiring that knowledge as it is seen in the writings of Malay scholars in Jawi. Malay scholars chosen here are those who have written on this issue via their many writings. Malay writings on Islam are known simply as kitab, denoting their Islamic heritage and background. Within this kitab genre there exist writings on theology (aqidah), jurisprudence (fiqah), and Sufism (tasawwuf) amongst others. For the sake of this paper, this study is limited to the texts mainly in theology. The aim here is to study issues connected to knowledge to come to the epistemology of Malay thinkers. It is presumptuous to think that Malay thinkers are uniform in their thinking and monolithic in their interpretation of religion. The facts speak for themselves that Malay thinkers comprised of a mixed bunch with many from different backgrounds and teachers, thus making one unified epistemology difficult, if not impossible. This research include those texts which are still being published and read by many around the country and in many instances are influential in the formation of the Malay Muslim mindset. The formation of concepts within the mind and thus making a particular view on Islam had begun with the teaching of these primary texts. Perhaps with the study of this aspect of Islamisation, people would be better equipped to understand the Malay Muslim mind of today.

Synonym in Malay and Arabic: A Comparative Study in the Aspect of Definition and Importance

The study discusses synonym in Malay and Arabic with a general focus on its definition and importance. In addition to that, this study also aims to observe the differences and similarities that exist in both languages when it comes to defining or determining the definition of synonym done by Malay and Arabic scholars and the need of synonyms for both languages and nations. This study is a descriptive literature review that is using contrastive analysis. The result of the study shows that Malay and Arabic differ in selecting the basis for synonyms in the aspect of definition but both languages put ‘the similarity in general meaning’ as the main criteria in determining two synonymous words. On the other hand, the importance of synonym in Malay and Arabic is not much different. In Arabic, however, the need for synonym seems to be more apparent in the literary field especially in poetry that emphasizes qafiah and verse. On the contrary, the need for synonym in Malay is more significant when it comes to maintaining the manners and politeness in speech.

KESAN KARYA ANWAR AL-TANZIL WA ASRAR AL-TAKWIL TERHADAP PENULISAN TEKS TAFSIR NUR AL-IHSAN: SATU PENDEDAHAN

The Malay scholars of the archipelago have been active in producing works in various fields of Islamic studies. These areas are faith, Sufism, and interpretation of the Qur'an. One of the works written in the field of tafsir al-Quran is Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan produced by Umar, M. S. This work is widely referenced by the community in understanding the contents of the Qur'an. However, the results of the survey found that there are previous researchers who believe that the author of this work does not use authoritative reference sources when describing the facts related to the Qur'an, while the initial reading found that the author did not use his own opinion when interpreting the Qur'an in his work, even many of the works of muktabar reference that he referred to. Since this work is still referenced by the community then a refinement effort must be made. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to study and trace the reference sources used by Umar, M. S. in Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan, in addition to the researcher revealing how the references are processed by him using the genetic approach introduced by Goldman. Through this approach, all reference sources used from the work of Anwar al-Tanzil wa Asrar al-Takwil by al-Baydawi, A. U. are revealed. This study shows that the author of Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan has taken five approaches when processing the text from the work he referred to, namely; the text is quoted accurately and in parallel, the author quotes the text abstractly from the work, the author removes some words from the referenced text before being included in Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan, the author adds descriptions and explanations to the quoted text, and the author denies part of the referenced text. The researcher revealed that Umar, M. S. referred to the work of Anwar al-Tanzil wa Asrar al-Takwil when writing Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan to strengthen his work. He manages to strengthen his interpretation if the text referred to coincides with the text in his work. But, on the other hand, if the reference text is not parallel or contradictory then the intention of the author to strengthen the interpretation in his work in this section is not successful.

PENDEKATAN GENETIK DALAM TAFSIR NUR AL-IHSAN: SATU KRITIKAN TERHADAP KARYA AL-JAMI’ AL-AHKAM AL-QURAN

Malay scholars of the archipelago have been active in producing works in various fields of Islamic studies such as fiqh, hadith and tafsir al-Quran. One of the works written in the field of tafsir al-Quran is Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan produced by Umar, M. S. This work is widely referenced by the community in understanding the contents of the Qur'an. However, it was found that there were previous researchers who thought that the author of this work did not use authoritative sources of reference when explaining the facts related to the Qur'an while the initial reading of the researcher found that the author did not use his own opinion when interpreting the verses of al- Quran, even many works of muktabar reference that he referred to. Since this work is still referenced by the community then a refinement effort must be made. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to study and trace the reference sources used by Umar, M. S in Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan, in addition to the researcher revealing how the references are processed using the genetic approach introduced by Goldman. Through this approach, all reference sources used from al-Jami ’al-Ahkam al-Quran by Al-Qurtubi, A. A. B. are revealed. The study shows that the author of Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan has taken five approaches when processing the text from the work he referred to, namely; the text is quoted accurately and in parallel from the work of al-Jami 'al-Ahkam al-Quran, the author quotes the text abstractly from the work, the author omits some words from the referenced text before being included in Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan, the author adds description and explanation against the quoted text, as well as the author denying part of the text referenced. The researcher revealed that Umar, M. S. referred to al-Jami ’al-Ahkam al-Quran when writing Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan to strengthen his work. Thus, he succeeds in doing so when the text referred to coincides with the text in his work. However, in certain places, there is the text of Tafsir Nur al-Ihsan which is contrary to the text of al-Jami 'al-Ahkam al-Quran. This makes his interpretation of this section dubious.

Beberapa Penelitian Terhadap Konsep Azab Kubur Menurut Tuan Minal Melalui Karyanya Kashf al-Ghaybiyyah

The torment in the grave is one of the questions of faith comprised in the debate on al-ghaybiyyat and al-sami‘yyat (the knowledge of the unseen) which is something that is not known except through the Qur’anic verses and Hadith. Although there are many proofs from the Qur’an and Hadith validate the truth of the torment in the grave, there are those who still dispute its existence. Among them are the Mu‘tazilites who claim that they witnessed the situation of a corpse that has died without any effect of being tortured. In addition, the atheists and zindiqs also denied the matter with the argument that they had dug a grave but did not find any evidence of archangel beating or torturing corpses. Therefore, a qualitative study using documentation method is carried out to unravel all the bewilderment through the authoritative works of Malay scholars. For this purpose, the book of Kashf al-Ghaybiyyah which is a Malay scholarly work will be the focus of research. This work is chosen because it discusses many issues of al-sam‘iyyat including the torment in the grave and its arguments. This study found that the strength within Kashf al-Ghaybiyyah’s arguments, which expounded many texts of the Qur’an and Hadith are capable to prove the validity of the torment in the grave.

A Glimpse on the Characteristics of Sufism and Its Major References in the Malay World

Sufism (taṣawwuf) is one of three major discussions of Sunni scholars in the Malay world. These scholars have given an impressive focus to the discussion of Sufism which is a complement to the discussion of ‘aqidah and fiqh. As a result, they succeeded in generating new ideas in Sufism and contributing to the intellectual development of this discipline. This paper discusses the principle of Sufism by Malay Sunni Sufi scholars who follow the methodology of Imam al-Ghazālī and al-Shaykh al-Akbar Ibn ʻArabī al-Ḥātimī. The focus of discussion will be on how the Malay scholars understand the objective methodology of Sufism by al-Ghazālī and Ibn ʻArabī and how they make these objectives realized through the establishment of Sufism syllabus for the Malay community. It categorizes the Sufis into three levels where each of these levels has a text of study corresponding to it. This study also explains that the study of Sufism is based on the category of knowledge level and the level of students. This is as explained by the two figures. Thus, the study concludes that the contribution of Malay scholars has merged the concept of the level of knowledge and its students based on the thought of Imam al-Ghazālī with the concept of categorization of knowledge and its students by Imam Ibn ʻArabī al-Ḥātimī. At the same time, this study proves taṣawwuf kashfī that comes with the spread of Islam to the Malay world is never lost, but it continues to grow, and studied until now.

Hapaxes as Productivity of Word Variations Based on Classical Texts

This study aims to examine the productivity of old Malay words that are contained in classic Malay texts. The ability of classical Malay texts was able to be examined through the presence of old Malay word variations based on the appearance of 1.000000 / corpus. In examining this emergence, words that are hapaxes were removed from the corpus-generated results. This study utilized the quantitative research design using the corpus linguistic statistical approach. This study used 7 classical Malay texts entitled Tips for Building a House. This classical text is non-literary and delivers architectural knowledge from feudal Malay scholars. The findings show that almost 54% of word are hapaxes in this classical text discourse. The stimulation of old Malay lexical used by past scholars showed less words reuse.

Beberapa Metodologi Pendidikan Melayu-Islam: Analisis Terhadap Manuskrip MSS 2906(A) Bab Al-Adab

The presence of Islam in the Malay Archipelago brings many changes, especially in the intellectual improvement of Malay society through educational institutions such as Quranic school and pondok. The educational institutions have successfully played an excellent role and have produced many scholars in various fields. Hence, this article aims to identify and analyse some Malay-Islamic educational methodology as understood by the Malays based on the manuscript of Bab al-Adab MSS 2906(A), held by the National Library of Malaysia. This article discussed on codicological analysis of the MSS 2906 concerning its origins, authorship and content. This article found that there are six educational methodologies mentioned by Bab al-Adab such as educational aim, learning preparation, knowledge integration, commitment in learning and apply various methods in acquiring knowledge. All these are aimed at exposing the roles and contributions of the Malay scholars in shaping the educational thought and methodology in the region as exemplified by various traditional educational institutions such as pondok, pesantren, dayah and meunasah.

Syed Syeikh Ahmad al-Hadi’s Thought on Women’s Emancipation and Gender Equality: Re-Evaluation and Analysis

Known as the early 20th century Malay-Muslim scholar, Syed Syeikh Ahmad al-Hadi (1867-1934) has written several works concerning women’s issues; including Faridah Hanom, Hikayat Anak Dara Ghasan, Hikayat Puteri Nurul‘Ain, Kitab Alam Perempuan and many others. The present study attempts to examine his thought on the emancipation of women and gender equality, since not many Malay scholars focus on a similar issue during his time. This paper discusses on the development of his idea through magazines and novels since the 1920s, which later gave impact to the Malay society from cultural, social, political as well as religious aspects. This study also highlights several factors which might influenced his thought by discovering his educational background and analysing his different methods of arguments applied in his writings. By using qualitative approach, the study concludes that Syed Syeikh Ahmad al-Hadi has integrated both Islamic and modern perspectives in his writings, particularly concerning women’s issues such as on the emancipation of women and gender equality. Although some of his ideas seem controversial, it was among the earliest effort to propose a change to Malay traditions, where women were often given a limited role in society, for they only had major roles in domestic affairs.

Genealogical Transmission of Zakariyya al-Ansari’s Thought on Tawhid to the Malay World Scholars with Special Reference to His Fath al-Rahman

In Islamic history, Haramayn (Mecca and Medina) were once became a centre of education for Muslim scholars from all over the world. They came here to study all branches of Islamic knowledge from many prominent scholars. In the 17th century, the Egyptian scholar, Zakariyya al-Ansari (d. 1520) had produced a significant work, Fath al-Rahman that became well-known in the circle of studies in Haramayn. The work consists the exposition of true and pure Tawhid as a foundation to learn Shari`ah and Haqiqah (Truth). The ideas that were cast in this work were very important which later became the subject of study among the scholars and their disciples as well as their successors. In the 18th century, the Fath al-Rahman was of wide-spread in Malay Archipelago. By applying the qualitative research method based on texts and documentations analysis, this research reveals the transmission of Zakariyya’s thought that were documented in Fath al-Rahman to Malay society occurred through the Malay scholars famed and outstanding as group of al-Jawiyyin such as Nuruddin al-Raniri, Abdul Rauf al-Sinkili, Yusuf al-Makassari and others. They brought back the Fath al-Rahman and taught it in the circle of religious students in Malay world. Some of them put initiatives to further translated and commented on the work. The works are currently available in several places around Malay Archipelago including Indonesia and Malaysia and, as such, indicating the transmission of Zakariyya’s thought and signifying an intellectual network between scholars in Haramayn and the Malay world.

Amalan Pengajaran Guru di Pondok Bantan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Historically, Pondok Bantan is a traditional Islamic educational institution that applies teacher-centered approach in teaching and learning programmes based on religious texts. However, in line with the changes in needs and time of society, the Pondok is now adopting Thai national curriculum which at the same time integrate with religious education curriculum based on the traditional (turath) texts of Malay scholars. The diversity in its educational curriculum components perceived as a strength for Pondok Bantan but becomes a challenge to the teachers’ ability to implement and ensure the teaching curriculum adopted is efficient for the holistic development of the students. Therefore, this study aims to identify attitudes and approaches applied by Pondok Bantan teachers’ in their teaching activities and the level of teaching aids application. The study applies quantitative research method involving 43 respondents among the teachers of Pondok Bantan. Data are obtained from the questionnaires and then analyzed using the descriptive statistics tehnique to measure the frequency, ranges, mean and standard deviation. The findings show that the teachers’ attitudes and practices toward teaching activities are high either before of the classrooms. However, the use of teaching aids need to be improved in the future by the teachers and the management of Pondok Bantan since its practices are in between moderate and high level.