BIOGRAFI SYEKH ABDUR RAUF AS SINGKILI

Summary

Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili was a prominent Acehnese Islamic scholar, revered for his role in spreading Islam throughout Sumatra and the wider Nusantara region. Born in 1593, he made significant contributions as a teacher, spiritual leader, and writer. He is credited with introducing the Shattariyah Sufi order to the region and had a profound impact on religious life in Aceh. His scholarly work, including the first Malay Quranic commentary, established him as a key figure in Islamic thought. His legacy continues to influence the spiritual and intellectual landscape of the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili was a highly influential Acehnese scholar and spiritual leader, widely respected in Aceh and Indonesia.
• 😀 He is credited with spreading Islam across Sumatra and the broader Indonesian archipelago, and is believed to be a wali Allah (saint).
• 😀 Syekh Abdurrauf was a pioneer in introducing the Syattariyah Sufi order to Nusantara (Southeast Asia).
• 😀 His full name was Aminuddin Abdur Rauf, and he was born in Singkel (1593/1612) into a family of prominent religious scholars.
• 😀 His father, Syekh Ali Fansuri, was a renowned scholar who led the region of Simpang Kanan in Singkel.
• 😀 Syekh Abdurrauf's studies took him to various countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, where he studied with notable scholars.
• 😀 He spent 19 years in the Middle East, completing his education in various Islamic sciences including fiqh, tafsir, philosophy, and Sufism.
• 😀 Abdurrauf’s major academic mentors included Syekh Abdul Qadir Al-Mawari and Syekh Ahmad al-Qusyasyi, who guided him in both outward and inner knowledge.
• 😀 After returning to Aceh, Syekh Abdurrauf taught the Syattariyah order, with many of his students coming from all over the Nusantara, including prominent figures like Syekh Burhanuddin Ulakan.
• 😀 He was also a prolific writer, with more than 21 works across subjects like fiqh, tafsir, Kalam, and Sufism, including the first Malay language tafsir, 'Tarjuman al-Mustafid'.

Q & A

Who was Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili?

Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili was a prominent Islamic scholar from Aceh, Indonesia. He is highly revered for his contributions to the spread of Islam in Sumatra and the broader Nusantara region. He is also recognized as a wali (saint) and was a key figure in the introduction of the Syattariyah Sufi order in Southeast Asia.

What is the significance of Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili in Aceh's history?

Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili holds a significant place in Aceh's history as a spiritual leader and scholar. He is credited with shaping the religious landscape of Aceh through his teachings and his establishment of religious schools. His influence extended to the government as well, where he played a crucial role in bridging religious and political authority.

What is the historical context of Syekh Abdurrauf's birth and family background?

Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili was born in 1593 (or 1612, according to some sources) in Singkel, Aceh. He came from a family of scholars, with his father, Syekh Ali Fansuri, being a well-known Islamic scholar. Some historical accounts suggest his family may have Persian or Arab origins, but this remains uncertain due to a lack of concrete historical evidence.

Where did Syekh Abdurrauf receive his education?

Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili received his initial education in his hometown, Singkel, under the guidance of his father. He furthered his studies in several prestigious religious schools, including the one led by Hamzah Fansuri. His education also took him abroad, where he studied in the Middle East for 19 years in places like Doha, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah.

Which scholars did Syekh Abdurrauf learn from during his studies?

During his time in Madinah, Syekh Abdurrauf learned from notable scholars such as Syekh Ahmad al-Qusyasyi and Syekh Ibrahim al-Kurani. He also studied with scholars like Syekh Abdullah Arif and took inspiration from other renowned figures such as Muhammad Al-Babili and Muhammad Al-Barzanji.

What was Syekh Abdurrauf's role in the spread of the Syattariyah Sufi order?

Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili was instrumental in spreading the Syattariyah Sufi order across the Nusantara region. He introduced and taught this mystical path to many of his disciples, some of whom became prominent figures in their own right, including Syekh Burhanuddin Ulakan and Muhyi from Jawa Barat.

What are some of the significant works written by Syekh Abdurrauf?

Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili was a prolific writer, producing works across various fields of Islamic knowledge. Notable among his writings are the 'Tarjuman al-Mustafid,' the first Tafsir written in Malay, as well as works on fiqh, tafsir, Kalam (theology), and tasawuf (Sufism).

What is the 'Tarjuman al-Mustafid' and why is it important?

'Tarjuman al-Mustafid' is Syekh Abdurrauf's tafsir (interpretation) of the Quran in Malay. It holds the distinction of being the first Quranic commentary written in the Malay language and is considered an important scholarly work in the Islamic tradition.

How did Syekh Abdurrauf's work impact his community and beyond?

Syekh Abdurrauf's scholarly work and teachings had a profound impact on the religious and intellectual life of Aceh and the broader Nusantara. His teachings were widely respected, and his religious and judicial rulings were considered authoritative. His contributions to Islamic scholarship are still acknowledged, and his tomb remains a site of pilgrimage.

What was Syekh Abdurrauf's legacy after his death?

Syekh Abdurrauf As-Singkili passed away in 1695, but his legacy continues to be influential. His influence extended not only in Aceh but also in the surrounding regions. His grave has become a place of pilgrimage, and his work is still studied by scholars today. His role in the intersection of Islam, politics, and culture in Aceh remains a key part of his lasting influence.