SUNAN GRESIK | WALISONGO 1 | Kesultanan Nusantara

Summary

This video explores the life and contributions of Sunan Gresik, also known as Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim, one of the senior figures of the Walisongo. He played a pivotal role in spreading Islam in the 14th century across Java, Indonesia. Originating from Samarkand or possibly another region, he established a pesantren in Gresik and engaged in trade to support his mission. His work was acknowledged by Majapahit rulers, though they did not convert to Islam. His legacy lives on through his efforts to promote the Islamic faith in Java until his passing in 822 AH (1419 AD).

Takeaways

• 🕌 Sunan Gresik, known as Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim, was a 14th-century Islamic scholar who spread Islam in the Nusantara (Indonesia).
• 📜 He is considered the most senior among the Walisongo (Nine Saints) and established a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Gresik, earning the title Sunan Gresik.
• 🌍 Historians debate his origin, with some, like JJ Mesman, believing he came from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, while French epigraphist JP Moquette thought he was from a region called Kau Santiran.
• 💀 The inscription on Sunan Gresik's tombstone, decrypted by JP Moquette, identifies him as 'Al Malik Ibrahim,' a religious leader who passed away on Monday, 12 Rabi'ul Awwal 822 Hijri (April 17, 1400 AD).
• ⛵ Sunan Gresik is considered the first to spread Islam in Java. A ship carrying Maulana Ibrahim and his brother Maulana Mahfur arrived in Gresik in 1371.
• 🏯 Upon arrival, Maulana Ibrahim and his followers met with the Majapahit ruler, Prabu Brawijaya, who welcomed them but was initially uninterested in converting to Islam.
• ⚓ Maulana Ibrahim was appointed by Prabu Brawijaya as a representative at Gresik port, where he spread Islam and engaged in trade.
• 🏞️ Local sources say Maulana Ibrahim first landed in Sembalo, Gresik, and began spreading Islam there, building a mosque and engaging in trade in Roomo, a port village.
• 🏫 He eventually established a pesantren (Islamic school) in the village of Gapura, granted to him by Prabu Brawijaya, to educate locals about Islam.
• 🛐 Sunan Gresik's efforts greatly contributed to the adoption of Islam among the people of Java, with his teachings continuing even after his death.

Q & A

Who is Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim?

Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim, also known as Sunan Gresik, was a prominent ulama and one of the earliest figures to spread Islam in Nusantara (Indonesia). He is considered the most senior among the Walisongo, a group of nine saints who played a major role in spreading Islam in Java.

Where did Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim originate from according to different historical sources?

Different historical sources provide varying origins for Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim. Some historians believe he came from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, while the French epigraphist JP Moquette suggests he may have originated from the region of Kau Santiran.

What role did Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim play in Gresik?

Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim established an Islamic pesantren (religious school) in Gresik, earning him the title 'Sunan Gresik.' His efforts helped spread Islam in the region.

What does the inscription on Sunan Gresik's tombstone say?

The inscription on Sunan Gresik's tombstone describes him as 'the pride of princes, the pillar of kings and ministers, the benefactor of the poor and non-believers, a blessed martyr, and a shining symbol of the nation in religious matters.' It also states that he passed away on 12 Rabi'ul Awwal 822 Hijri (April 17, 1400 AD).

What is epigraphy, and how is it related to Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim?

Epigraphy is a branch of archaeology that studies inscriptions or writings on historical objects. In the case of Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim, JP Moquette, an expert in epigraphy, successfully decrypted the inscription on Sunan Gresik's tombstone.

When did Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim first arrive in Java, and with whom?

Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim arrived in Java in 1371 AD with his brother Maulana Mahfur and a group of 40 other individuals led by Sayyid Yusuf. They disembarked at the port of Gresik.

How did Majapahit rulers react to Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim's arrival and his teachings?

Prabu Brawijaya, the ruler of Majapahit at the time, welcomed Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim but did not embrace Islam immediately. However, he appointed Malik Ibrahim as the port official of Gresik and allowed him to continue spreading Islam in the region.

What activities did Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim engage in during his time in Gresik?

Apart from his religious activities, Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim also engaged in trade. He established a mosque in Pasucen village and was involved in trade at the port of Roomo (possibly named after Persia, as 'Rom' means Persia).

How did Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim's mission impact the spread of Islam in Java?

Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim's mission significantly impacted the spread of Islam in northern Java, as many locals began adopting the religion due to his efforts.

When and where did Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim pass away?

Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim passed away on 12 Rabi'ul Awwal 822 Hijri (April 17, 1400 AD) and was buried in Gresik.