NEGERI SABA & RATU BALQIS : BENARKAH ADANYA DI INDONESIA ? (Diskursus Bagian 1)

Summary

This video episode delves into a fascinating discussion about whether the ancient Kingdom of Saba, ruled by Queen Bilqis and mentioned in the Quran, was actually located in Indonesia. The mainstream belief is that Saba was in Yemen, but alternative theories have emerged, notably from Kyai Haji Fahmi Basya, who argues that Saba was in Java, Indonesia, using Islamic mathematics and Quranic analysis. The video presents these differing viewpoints, examines the evidence, and explores the historical context and interpretations, while acknowledging that the conclusions may be subject to debate.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the claim that the Kingdom of Saba and Queen Balqis (Sheba) might have been located in Indonesia, rather than Yemen, as traditionally believed.
• 📝 This theory was introduced by Kyai Haji Fahmi Basya, an Islamic mathematician who published books in 2012 and 2014, proposing Borobudur as a relic of Prophet Solomon and Indonesia as the land of Saba.
• 📖 Traditionally, historians have placed the Kingdom of Saba in southern Arabia, specifically Yemen, supported by historical texts and archaeological findings.
• 🌊 The Quran describes the prosperity and eventual destruction of the Kingdom of Saba due to a great flood, linked to the collapse of the ancient Ma’rib dam in Yemen.
• 🌿 Saba was a fertile land, with a famous irrigation system and agriculture, described as 'baldatun toyyibatun warobbun ghofur' – a pleasant, forgiving land.
• 📜 Archaeological evidence, including inscriptions and dam ruins in Yemen, has supported the historical existence of the Ma’rib dam, which sustained Saba’s prosperity.
• 📅 Historical researchers, including Western archaeologists like Thomas J. Arnold and later German teams, confirmed the existence of the Ma’rib dam, with its origins dating back to around 2400 BCE.
• ⚖️ Despite the prevailing evidence of Saba’s location in Yemen, Fahmi Basya’s theory of Saba in Indonesia remains controversial and has been criticized in academic circles.
• 🔎 Fahmi Basya’s argument is based on his interpretation of Islamic mathematics and Quranic verses, which he claims reveal that Saba and Prophet Solomon’s empire extended to the Indonesian archipelago.
• 🤔 The script acknowledges that this theory is highly contested and suggests further exploration in upcoming episodes, leaving room for both perspectives.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The video discusses the claim that the Kingdom of Saba and Queen Balqis may have been located in Indonesia rather than Yemen, based on recent theories proposed by Kyai Haji Fahmi Basya.

What has traditionally been believed about the location of the Kingdom of Saba?

Historically, it has been widely believed that the Kingdom of Saba was located in southern Arabia, specifically in Yemen.

Who is Kyai Haji Fahmi Basya and what does he claim?

Kyai Haji Fahmi Basya is an Islamic scholar and mathematician from Indonesia. He claims that the Kingdom of Saba and Queen Balqis were located in Java, Indonesia, based on his research in Islamic mathematics and interpretations of the Quran.

What evidence does Fahmi Basya provide for his claim that Saba was in Indonesia?

Fahmi Basya uses Islamic mathematics and interpretations of the Quran to propose that Borobudur is linked to the legacy of Prophet Solomon (Nabi Sulaiman) and that the Kingdom of Saba was located in Java. He presents 40 facts to support his argument.

What is the traditional Quranic story about Queen Balqis and the Kingdom of Saba?

According to the Quran, Queen Balqis ruled over Saba and later embraced Islam after meeting Prophet Solomon (Nabi Sulaiman). The kingdom was prosperous but later faced destruction due to the moral decline of its people.

What natural disaster is believed to have contributed to the downfall of Saba?

The Quran describes a great flood (Saila Arim) caused by the destruction of the Ma'rib Dam, which led to the collapse of Saba's agricultural system and the eventual downfall of the kingdom.

What archaeological evidence supports the traditional belief that Saba was in Yemen?

Archaeologists have discovered remnants of the Ma'rib Dam and other ancient structures in Yemen, supporting the belief that the Kingdom of Saba was located there. Notable expeditions were led by researchers like Thomas J. Arnold and Edward Glaser.

How has Fahmi Basya's theory been received by the academic community?

Fahmi Basya's theory has sparked controversy and debate. It has been discussed in academic circles, particularly in Islamic universities in Indonesia, but it remains a minority view compared to the traditional belief.

What does the Quranic term 'Baldatun Tayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghafur' signify?

'Baldatun Tayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghafur' refers to a land that is prosperous and blessed by Allah, describing the Kingdom of Saba in its peak before its decline.

What future topics are promised in the next part of the video series?

The next part of the series promises to explore more evidence and counter-arguments related to Fahmi Basya's claim that the Kingdom of Saba was located in Java, Indonesia.