Makam Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili: The Life, Legacy, and Spirituality of an Islamic Saint
Makam Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili: The Life, Legacy, and Spirituality of an Islamic Saint
Introduction
Islam has a rich tradition of saints, spiritual masters, and holy men who have inspired countless people with their piety, wisdom, and virtue. Among these luminaries is Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili, a legendary figure in the history of Malay and Indonesian Islam. His tomb, or makam, in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, has become a place of pilgrimage and devotion for believers who seek his blessings and intercession. In this article, we will explore the life, legacy, and spirituality of Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili and the significance of his makam for Muslims in Southeast Asia.
Who was Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili?
Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili was born in Singkil, a coastal town in Aceh, in the late 16th century. He belonged to a noble family of scholars and leaders who played a prominent role in the Islamization of the region. As a young man, he studied the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence under his father and other prominent teachers. He also traveled to Mecca and Medina to deepen his knowledge and experience of Islam.
Upon his return to Aceh, Syekh Abdurrauf became a respected teacher, preacher, and spiritual guide who attracted a large following of disciples and admirers. He was known for his piety, humility, and kindness, as well as his scholarly erudition. He encouraged his students to cultivate a deep love of God and a devotion to the Prophet Muhammad, and to strive for excellence in their religious and worldly affairs.
Syekh Abdurrauf was also an active participant in the political and social life of Aceh. He supported the resistance against the Dutch colonial occupation and played a key role in the Acehnese struggle for independence. He was a close advisor to the sultan, or king, of Aceh and mediated disputes among the nobility and commoners. He was respected by all factions for his integrity, fairness, and wisdom.
Despite his prominence and influence, Syekh Abdurrauf remained humble and ascetic, living a simple and austere life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. He fasted regularly, prayed at night, and spent much of his time in seclusion and contemplation. He composed poems and hymns in praise of God and the Prophet, which became famous in the region and are still recited today.
Syekh Abdurrauf died in 1661 and was buried in Banda Aceh, the capital of the Aceh sultanate. His tomb, which is located in a mosque that bears his name, has since become a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors who seek his blessings and guidance.
What is the significance of his makam?
The makam of Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili is a sacred site for Muslims in Southeast Asia, particularly in Aceh and Sumatra. It is a place of spiritual power and grace, where believers can commune with the saint and ask for his intercession with God. Many people visit the makam to seek blessings for their health, wealth, and happiness, or to ask for forgiveness and guidance.
The mosque that houses the makam is a beautiful and serene structure that reflects the simplicity and elegance of Acehnese architecture. It has a spacious courtyard, a prayer hall, and a tomb chamber that is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The tomb itself is covered with a green cloth and adorned with flowers and incense.
During special occasions such as the anniversary of Syekh Abdurrauf’s death, known as the maulid, or the month of Ramadan, the mosque and the surrounding area are filled with people who recite prayers, recite the Quran, and perform various rituals of devotion. These gatherings create a sense of community and solidarity among believers, and are a reminder of the spiritual heritage of Islam.
What is the spirituality of Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili?
The spirituality of Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili is based on the teachings of Islam, which he embodied and exemplified in his life. His spirituality emphasizes the path of love and devotion to God, which is expressed through acts of worship, service, and compassion. He believed that the purpose of human existence is to know and love God, and that this can be achieved through the practice of Islam in all its dimensions.
One of the key elements of Syekh Abdurrauf’s spirituality is the idea of tawhid, or the Oneness of God. He believed that all reality, including human beings, is derived from God and exists for His sake. He encouraged his followers to recognize the divine attributes of God in all aspects of creation, and to affirm His sovereignty and majesty.
Syekh Abdurrauf also emphasized the importance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as the sources of guidance and inspiration for Muslims. He urged his students to read, study, and contemplate the Quran, and to follow the example of the Prophet in their behavior and ethics. He believed that the Quran offers a comprehensive and holistic vision of human life, and that its teachings can be applied to all aspects of life, from personal hygiene to social justice.
Another aspect of Syekh Abdurrauf’s spirituality is his emphasis on inner purification and spiritual discipline. He believed in the importance of self-awareness, self-control, and self-transformation as essential elements of the spiritual path. He encouraged his followers to engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, fasting, and charity, which purify the heart and mind and increase one’s connection to God.
Finally, Syekh Abdurrauf’s spirituality is rooted in his social and political engagement, which he saw as an integral part of his religious duty. He believed that Islam requires Muslims to be active and responsible members of their communities, to promote justice and mercy, and to resist oppression and tyranny. He saw social and political action as a means of expressing one’s love of God and fulfilling His commandments.
FAQs
Q: Is Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili a prophet or a saint?
A: Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili is not a prophet but a saint, or wali. He is revered by Muslims for his piety, wisdom, and virtue, and for his role as a spiritual guide and leader.
Q: What is the difference between a prophet and a saint?
A: A prophet is a person who receives revelation from God and communicates it to humanity. Prophets are regarded as messengers of God and are central figures in the major religions of the world. Saints, on the other hand, are pious and virtuous individuals who have attained a high degree of spiritual realization and union with God. They are revered as role models and intercessors by believers who seek their blessings and guidance.
Q: Can non-Muslims visit the makam of Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili?
A: Yes, non-Muslims are welcome to visit the makam of Syekh Abdurrauf As Singkili, but they should show respect for the sanctity of the place and the beliefs of the worshippers. Visitors should dress modestly, remove their shoes before entering the mosque, and avoid taking photographs or making noise during prayer times.
Q: Is the worship of saints in Islam compatible with monotheism?
A: The worship of saints in Islam is not considered idolatry or polytheism, but is based on the belief in the intercession of the righteous with God. Muslims believe that the saints, as close friends of God, can intercede on behalf of the believers and ask for His mercy and forgiveness. The worship of saints is seen as a means of approaching God, not as a substitute for His worship.