“Matahari Agama dari Martapura | Kisah Ulama Besar Syekh Arsyad al-Banjari”

Summary

Maulana Syekh Muhammad Arsyad Albanjari, born in 1710 in Lok Gabang, was a revered scholar and artist who played a pivotal role in spreading Islam in Southeast Asia. From a young age, he showed exceptional talent in art and intelligence, gaining the attention of Sultan Tahmidullah who brought him to the royal court. He later pursued religious studies in Mecca, where he became known for his deep knowledge in Islamic teachings, including tasawuf. His contributions include the creation of numerous influential religious texts and the establishment of a lasting legacy in the Islamic community. He passed away in 1812, leaving behind a profound spiritual impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 Syekh Muhammad Arsyad Albanjari was born on March 19, 1710, in Lok Gabang and was the first child of a devout Muslim family.
• 😀 He is believed to be a descendant of the Alawiyyin, tracing his lineage through Sultan Abdul Rasyid of Mindanao.
• 😀 From a young age, Syekh Muhammad Arsyad was known for his piety, intelligence, and talent in arts, especially painting and calligraphy.
• 😀 The Sultan of Banjar, Sultan Tahmidullah, took Syekh Muhammad Arsyad in as a foster child at the age of 7 due to his exceptional talent.
• 😀 After growing up and marrying Bajut, he desired to study in Mecca, which was supported by his wife despite their young marriage.
• 😀 In Mecca, Syekh Muhammad Arsyad studied under prominent scholars like Syekh Atilah bin Ahmad almisri and Syekh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Alhani, learning Sufism.
• 😀 After 35 years of studying in Mecca and Madinah, he decided to study in Egypt but was advised by his teachers to return home to spread Islamic knowledge.
• 😀 On his return journey, Syekh Muhammad Arsyad reunited with his sister’s daughter, Fatimah, and after some deliberation, arranged a marriage between her and Syekh Abdul Wahab Bugis.
• 😀 While in Betawi (modern-day Jakarta), Syekh Muhammad Arsyad notably corrected the direction of the Qibla in several mosques, leading to a miraculous event with a coconut, earning him respect and recognition.
• 😀 He returned to Banjar in 1772, where Sultan Tahmidullah II welcomed him, and he became a prominent teacher and scholar, spreading Islamic teachings and writing numerous important religious texts.
• 😀 Syekh Muhammad Arsyad wrote influential works in Islamic theology, law, and Sufism, including 'Sabilal Mukadin' and several other important texts on topics such as Akidah, Fiqh, and Tasawuf.
• 😀 He passed away in 1812 at the age of 105, and is known as Datu Kalampayan, leaving behind a legacy as a respected scholar and religious figure in the Banjar region.

Q & A

Who was Syekh Muhammad Arsyad Albanjari and when was he born?

Syekh Muhammad Arsyad Albanjari was born on Thursday, 15 Safar 112 (March 19, 1710) in the village of Lok Gabang. He was the eldest son of a devout Muslim family and became a prominent Islamic scholar and teacher.

What early talents did Syekh Muhammad Arsyad demonstrate?

Syekh Muhammad Arsyad displayed extraordinary intelligence, humility, and talent in the arts, particularly painting and calligraphy. His talents were recognized early on by his community.

How did Syekh Muhammad Arsyad come to live with Sultan Tahmidullah?

Syekh Muhammad Arsyad’s artistic skills caught the attention of Sultan Tahmidullah, who, after visiting the village of Lok Gabang, decided to take him in as a child at the royal palace at the age of 7, recognizing his potential.

What significant event marked Syekh Muhammad Arsyad's journey to Mecca?

At the age of adulthood, Syekh Muhammad Arsyad decided to pursue religious knowledge in Mecca, with the blessing of his wife and the approval of Sultan Tahmidullah, beginning a 35-year journey of study under prominent scholars.

Which scholars did Syekh Muhammad Arsyad study under in Mecca and Medina?

Syekh Muhammad Arsyad studied under renowned scholars such as Syekh Atilah bin Ahmad al-Misri, Syekh Muhammad bin Sulaiman al-Qurbi, and Syekh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Asaman Alhani, focusing particularly on Tasawuf (Sufism).

What role did Syekh Muhammad Arsyad play in the Malay Archipelago after his return?

After his return from Mecca and Medina, Syekh Muhammad Arsyad played a vital role in spreading Islamic teachings throughout the Malay Archipelago, particularly in the Kingdom of Banjar, and was highly revered as a religious leader and scholar.

What was the controversy surrounding Syekh Muhammad Arsyad's work in Betawi?

In Betawi (now Jakarta), Syekh Muhammad Arsyad was involved in correcting the qibla (direction of prayer) of several mosques, which led to a controversial public incident where his actions were challenged by the Dutch Governor-General. However, a miraculous event with a coconut later convinced the onlookers of his divine knowledge.

What was the significance of Syekh Muhammad Arsyad’s encounter with the coconut?

During a confrontation with the Dutch authorities, Syekh Muhammad Arsyad was asked about the contents of a coconut. His seemingly absurd answer—'water and fish'—became a miraculous reality when the coconut was cut open, revealing water and a live fish inside, impressing everyone present.

How did Syekh Muhammad Arsyad's contributions influence Islamic scholarship?

Syekh Muhammad Arsyad’s scholarly contributions were monumental, particularly through his written works such as 'Sabilal Muhtadin,' which became highly influential across the Malay Archipelago, including in Malaysia, Brunei, and Thailand. He also produced extensive works on theology, fiqh, and tasawuf.

What were Syekh Muhammad Arsyad's last years like, and when did he pass away?

Syekh Muhammad Arsyad spent his final years spreading Islamic teachings and living a life of devotion. He passed away on 6 Shawwal 1227 (1812), at the age of 105, and was buried in Kalampayan, where he is remembered as 'Datu Kalampayan' in honor of his contributions to Islam and his community.