THE PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC FAITH IN PAULO COELHO'S THE ALCHEMIST

Transcription

1 THE PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC FAITH IN PAULO COELHO'S THE ALCHEMIST AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra in English Letters FAJAR KURNIAWAN ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA 2010

2 THE PRINCIPLES OF ISLAMIC FAITH IN PAULO COELHO'S THE ALCHEMIST AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra in English Letters FAJAR KURNIAWAN ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA 2010 i

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5 STATEMENT OF WORK S ORIGINALITY I honestly declared that this thesis, which I have written, does not contain the work or parts of the work of other people, except those cited in the quotations and the references, as a scientific paper should. Yogyakarta, September 21, 2010 The Writer Fajar Kurniawan NIM :

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7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I want to express my deepest gratitude to Elisa Dwi Wardani, S.S., M.Hum. for her guidance and understanding, M. Luluk Artika Windrasti, S.S. for reviewing this thesis, and to Eferlin The for giving me valuable input to my English writing. I am also privileged to have some criticism from Ni Luh Putu Rosiandani, S.S., M.Hum. on this thesis. My appreciation also goes to all lectures and staffs of English Letters Department for their support from the very beginning. Finally, thanks to all my friends, English Letters students of 2004 for their friendship. Fajar Kurniawan v

8 TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE APPROVAL PAGE ACCEPTANCE PAGE HALAMAN PERNYATAAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ABSTRAK i ii iii iv v vi viii ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 A. Background of the Study 1 B. Problem Formulation 3 C. Objectives of the Study 3 D. Definition of Terms 4 CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL REVIEW 5 A. Review of Related Studies 5 B. Review of Related Theories 7 1. Theory of Plot 7 2. View of Islam 9 C. Theoretical Framework 11 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 13 A. Object of the Study 13 B. Approach of the Study 13 C. Method of the Study 14 CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS 15 A. The Plot in The Alchemist Exposition Complication Climax Denouement 25 vi

9 B. The Principles of Islamic Faith in The Alchemist Seen through the Plot of the Story Faith in the unity of God Faith in the angels Faith in the prophets Faith in the destiny Faith in the revelations Faith in the hereafter 45 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION 49 BIBLIOGRAPHY vii

10 ABSTRACT FAJAR KURNIAWAN. The Principles of Islamic Faith in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, Paulo Coelho s The Alchemist is a novel which tells the story of Santiago, a simple shepherd boy from the Spanish countryside of Andalusia who decides to leave his land for a journey of accomplishing his destiny to find precious treasure hidden near the Egyptian Pyramids. During his journey to reach his destination, Santiago undergoes numerous adventures and dangers until he is finally successful to find his treasure. The factor of faith or believing has a great contribution to the accomplishment of Santiago's destiny. The story of Santiago teaches the readers about the importance of faith. In fact, faith is the fundamental of all religions. And this study is conducted specifically to reveal religious teachings from The Alchemist, particularly about the principles of Islamic faith. There are two problems in this study. The first problem is to analyze the plot of the story. And the second problem is to find out the principles of Islamic faith in the novel through the plot of the story. To analyze or answer the existing problems, this study uses the method of library research. Several informations and data are collected through library research in order to support the analysis. One of the most important data is the article about six pillars of faith which describes comprehensively the major principles of Islamic faith. And since this study is intended to reveal the teachings and positive values contained in a literary work, the moralphilosophical approach is considered appropriate to be applied. In the analysis of plot which is divided into four sections (exposition, complication, climax, and denouement), it can be seen that the ideas of faith are clearly visible in the plot of the story. And in the next analysis, the definition of each principle of Islamic faith is described in detail. It can also be seen that each principle of the Islamic faith is represented or portrayed through plot of the story. viii

11 ABSTRAK FAJAR KURNIAWAN. The Principles of Islamic Faith in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. Yogyakarta: Jurusan Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma, The Alchemist karya Paulo Coelho adalah novel yang bercerita tentang Santiago, seorang pemuda gembala sederhana dari daerah pedalaman Andalusia di Spanyol yang memutuskan untuk meninggalkan negerinya demi berkelana mewujudkan takdirnya yaitu untuk menemukan harta karun terpendam yang tersembunyi di dekat Piramida Mesir. Dalam perjalanannya menuju tujuannya, Santiago melewati banyak petualangan dan bahaya hingga akhirnya dia berhasil menemukan harta karun yang dicarinya. Faktor iman atau kepercayaan sangatlah berperan dalam pemenuhan takdir Santiago. Kisah Santiago mengajarkan pembaca tentang betapa pentingnya iman. Sesungguhnya iman adalah dasar dari semua agama. Dan studi ini secara khusus ditujukan untuk mengungkapkan ajaran-ajaran religius dari The Alchemist, khususnya tentang prinsip-prinsip iman Islam. Studi ini memuat dua permasalahan. Permasalahan pertama adalah untuk menganalisa plot cerita. Dan permasalahan kedua adalah untuk menemukan prinsip-prinsip iman Islam di dalam novel melalui plot cerita. Untuk menganalisa atau menjawab permasalahan-permasalahan yang ada, studi ini menggunakan metode studi pustaka. Beberapa teori dan data penting dikumpulkan melalui studi pustaka untuk mendukung analisis. Salah satu data terpenting adalah artikel tentang enam pilar iman yang menjelaskan secara komprehensif prinsip-prinsip utama iman Islam. Dan karena studi ini dimaksudkan untuk mengungkapkan ajaran dan nilai-nilai positif yang terkandung di dalam sebuah karya sastra, maka pendekatan moral-filsafat dirasakan tepat untuk diterapkan. Dalam analisis plot yang dibagi ke dalam empat bagian (awal, komplikasi, klimaks, dan akhir), dapat dilihat bahwa ide-ide mengenai iman sangat tampak di dalam plot cerita. Kemudian dalam analisis berikutnya, definisi dari masing-masing prinsip iman Islam terjabarkan secara detil. Dapat dilihat juga bahwa setiap prinsip iman Islam itu terwakili atau tergambarkan melalui plot cerita. ix

12 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION A. Background of the Study The Alchemist is a novel written by Paulo Coelho. It is first published in The novel has been known not only in Coelho's homeland, Brazil, but also throughout the world. The Alchemist tells the story of Santiago, a simple shepherd boy from the Spanish countryside of Andalusia who decides to travel across African desert for finding precious treasure hidden near the Egyptian Pyramids. Paulo Coelho himself is the all-time bestselling Portuguese language author. He has sold more than 100 million books in over 150 countries worldwide, and his works have been translated into 66 languages. Some of his works focus on love and the journeys of life. The Alchemist is probably the most famous work of Paulo Coelho. The Alchemist has been translated into more than 66 languages and sold more than 65 million copies in more than 150 countries. The Alchemist is appreciated by some critics as a novel that can provide a sense of hope for the readers. Mark Machaalani, the founder of Accomplish-Life, states on his website accomplishlife.com: The Alchemist is like a simple, motivational, yet exciting novel that bursts with optimism; it is the kind of novel that tells you that everything is possible as long as you really want it to happen. The main message I guess that is transmitted to readers is that when you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true (2005). 1

13 The Alchemist is however not merely a motivational novel, but it contains religious values. The Alchemist brings the most fundamental principle of many religions about faith in the unity of God, that he is universal, eternal, all-knowing, all-seeing, and compassionate. This principle implies rejection of any other gods, except God himself. The Quran defines God as the one and only, he is indivisible, he does not beget, and he has no equal (Quran, 112:1-4). During his journey to reach the Egyptian Pyramids, Santiago undergoes numerous difficulties and dangers. But fortunately he encounters people who teach him to always have faith in God and the destiny. These people encourage Santiago to finish his journey in its accomplishment, and not to worry because everything has been written by the same hand. It means that God has already prepared answers to all of life's problems. By following the omens and signs given by God, Santiago is successful to find his treasure at the end of the story.... God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you (30). Allah created the armies, and he also created the hawks. Allah taught me the language of the birds. Everything has been written by the same hand, the boy said... (116). He thought of the many roads he had traveled, and of the strange way God had chosen to show him his treasure But the path was written in the omens, and there was no way I could get wrong, he said to himself (175). Islam is a religion which gives great importance on faith. It is said that people can receive perfect guidance to reach their destinations if they have real faith. Shaykh Muhammad Nazim, the current leader of Naqshabandiyya-Haqqani Sufi order explains this importance of faith in Mercy Oceans: 2

14 Everyone has a destination; it is a veiled thing we can t see. But you may know it and see it if using the ways Allah Almighty is teaching us... If a man is not believing, he is never improving and may stay always imprisoned in his five senses, unable to know or understand more. It is impossible for him to reach the heavenly stations (2007:16). The achievements of people depend on their faith. If people have faith in God, then they will absorb good characters and act according to religious codes. As much as people have real faith in God, their characters and actions will be better, their knowledge will also improve, so that it must be easier for them to reach their destinations. This study is conducted to find out the principles of Islamic faith in The Alchemist. The principles will be seen through the plot of the story which is centered around Santiago as the major character. B. Problem Formulation 1. How is the plot of the story developed? 2. How does the plot of the story show the principles of Islamic faith in the novel? C. Objectives of the Study The objectives of this study is to answer the questions stated in the problem formulation. The first objective is to describe the plot of the story. And the second objective is to find out the principles of Islamic faith in the novel through the plot of the story. 3

15 D. Definition of Terms There are some terms in this study that need to be clarified in order to achieve accurate analysis and avoiding misconception: 1. Principles Principles are fundamental truths, laws or motivating forces, upon which others are based (The Problems of Work, 2007:29) 2. Faith Faith is an organized system of beliefs concerning a supreme being and that being's relations with creation, especially with humans. The core of Islamic faith is unconditional belief in the existence and oneness of God (Encyclopedia of Islam, 2009:223). 3. Islam In this study, Islam refers to universal religion as also propagated in all major Sufi orders which originate from the tradition of Sunni Islam. 4. Alchemy Alchemy is a combination of chemistry and magical knowledge that developed in Islamicate lands. Alchemists engaged in the effort of transforming an imperfect or lesser phenomenon into a more perfect, purified one. Not only might lead be transformed into gold, but the human soul itself could be purified of worldly stain (Encyclopedia of Islam, 2009:29-30). 4

16 CHAPTER 2 THEORETICAL REVIEW A. Review of Related Studies Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is a novel which attracts many readers from East and West. Some readers say that the novel has changed their lives forever. It tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy from the Spanish countryside of Andalusia who decides to travel across African in order to reach the Egyptian Pyramids after having a recurrent dream of being transported to the Pyramids by a child. The child in his dream says that he will find a hidden treasure if he comes to the Pyramids. Jeffrey Aikens, a reviewer, considers The Alchemist as a novel which can inspire the readers to follow their dreams to the realization, no matter how odd they are. I loved this book because it can inspire someone to follow their dreams and listen to their heart. And not care what other people think of them. When I was reading this book I was going through a rough time in my life. This book lifted my spirits and inspired me to listen to my heart and follow my dreams. Now I am focused on achieving it and will not let anything stop it... I would recommend this book to others because it can motivate and inspire people to do well for themselves and the people around them. < The Alchemist is however not merely a novel of fantasy. But it contains religious values. The novel states that our life stories and the history of the world are written by the same hand (80). This statement fits with the principle of Islamic faith about the unity of God. A similar 5

17 opinion has been expressed by Huda Shaka, a reader, on muslamic.blogspot: I do not think it was a coincidence that a big chunk of the book was set in a Muslim land. I think the attributes of the Creator in Islam fit perfectly with Coelho's idea of the One, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, All-Knowing Supreme Being... Even Coelho's description of a shepherd's life reminds me of the prophets and messengers of Allah. They were all shepherds at one point in their lives and that lifestyle helped that ponder on the creation and connect with the Creator (2007). According to Islam, God is the one that encompasses all powers so that people should not worship any other beings, except the one true God. This principle of unity of God seems to have been also taught in Christianity and other religions, although they may call it with different names. To the people of Israel, Jesus spoke that the first and most important of all commandments is to believe in one Lord, and to love him will whole heart, all soul, all mind, and all strength (Mark, 12:29-30). In her study of The Alchemist, Mrs. Koplik states that the novel brings the concepts which are shared by many religions, including Islam. The novel integrates ideas and philosophies of many faiths... Many of these ideas concern the pursuit of truth, one s intended destiny and the attainment of personal happiness... These ideas, though, have been explored since ancient times in one form or another by countless faiths and peoples. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, Christianity, Judaism, countless tribal cultures, in addition to ancient and modern philosophers, all attempt to define the idea... < Paulo Coelho himself admits that he was under the influence of mystical Islam or Sufism when writing The Alchemist. In his interview with Sami Moubayed, the chief editor of Forward Magazine, Coelho expresses his admiration of Sufism and its figures, such as the 13 th 6

18 century Persian Sufi poet, Jalal al-din Rumi. Indeed, Sufism has inspired me a lot throughout my life and I refer to this tradition in some of my books such as The Alchemist and more recently The Zahir. Rumi is of course the first figure that springs to mind (2009). The Alchemist can be categorized as a religious novel. In fact, The Alchemist really contains religious values, especially on the subject of faith. And this study is conducted to find out the principles of Islamic faith in The Alchemist. The principles will be seen through the plot of the story. B. Review of Related Theories 1. Theory of Plot There are various definitions of plot. Perrine states that plot is the sequence of incidents or events of which a story is composed (1974:43). While Forster argues that chronological connection is not enough, a causal connection between the events must be inserted in order to define plot (1974: ). And since many plots do not just contain causal connection but also imply thematic connection, Koesnosoebroto concludes that plot is the arrangement of tiedtogether chronological events that have causal and thematic connections (1988:29). According to Abrams, a plot basically has functions to give and to show the structure of the unified and completed dramatic action. Generally, it tends to follow a regular formula of common plot. The formula consists of exposition, complication, climax, and denouement (Abrams, 1993:161): 7

19 1. Exposition The first thing that is necessary for the readers in reading a story is to understand the situation in the beginning of an action. A plot mostly begins with the exposition, which commonly provides the introduction of the characters, the sketch of the background, and the description of the situation. 2. Complication The exposition then moves to the complication or the rising action. This section usually provides the rising of the problems and the introduction of some difficulties faced by the character(s). This situation keeps on increasing with complexity and tensions of the problems and the difficulties until it reaches the climax. 3. Climax In this section, the problems or the conflicts reach the top and make the highest point of complexity and emotional intensity in the action. Though it is not always the best part of the whole unified story, however, the climax is the main part that is what the story mostly talks about. And then, this most complex event will find the resolution of the problems and the conflicts. 4. Denouement This section presents the direct consequences of the decisive climax, and it brings the problems and the conflicts to a logical end. The resolution may vary greatly in duration, but usually it forms the shortest part of the plot in a novel. 8

20 2. View of Islam Islam is the religion founded by Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the early 7 th century. If translated literally, Islam means peace and submission. The words peace and submission creates a comprehensive picture of Islam. According to Al-Hajj Khwaja Kamaluddin, the founder of Woking Muslim Mission in England, peace between two entities lies in the one's submission to other. Trouble arises from disagreement, and the best agreement is that one resigns or submits to the will of the other which in the religious sense, means submits to God's will. Therefore, Islam means the way of peace through complete submission to God's will or principles. Based on instructions in the Quran (Islam scripture) and elaborated in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (hadith), Islam has six principles of faith, known as the six pillars of faith. The Sunni and Shia have no different opinions on this subject. Both of them believe in these six principles of faith. These six principles of faith may also be found in the scriptures of other religions, especially the ones from Judaism and Christianity. Although Muslims see Islam as a unique monotheistic religion, they also believe that it is one of a group of the Abrahamic religions interlinked through a common mythic lineage to the ancient biblical patriarch and quranic prophet Abraham. In the Quran, Jews and Christians are considered to be people of the Book who, like Muslims, believe in one God and possess sacred books that came from the same heavenly source (Encyclopedia of Islam, 2009:373). Say: We believe in God and in what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord; we 9

21 do not make a distinction between any of them and to Him we submit (Quran, 2:136). The following are the six pillars of faith as expounded by Tahir Ahmad in An Elementary Study of Islam: 1. Faith in the unity of God The first is to firmly believe in the absolute oneness of God. It is a unity which is indivisible, and one which cannot be multiplied or compromised in any form. 2. Faith in the angels The second is to believe in the existence of angels which is a universally accepted doctrine in different religions. However, they are sometimes discussed under other titles, the distinction being only one of nomenclature. Islam speaks of angels as supernatural beings created from light who have their own entity as persons. The major role they play is the transmission of messages from God to human beings. 3. Faith in the prophets The third is to believe in the prophets, who sometimes bring a new code of life and a new law for a specific people in a specific age, and who sometimes are sent by God only for the purpose of reform. The Quran speaks of the many prophets who mostly belong to the Middle Eastern line of prophethood, beginning with Adam up to the time of Muhammad. 4. Faith in the destiny In almost all religions there are some references to the nature of destiny. Generally, 10

22 destiny can be divided into two major categories. The first category of destiny is that of predetermined and unchangeable. It is referred to in the Quran as the Sunnah of God, which means that people have no choice of their own. The second category is that of free choice, with predestination playing practically little role in whatever people decide and execute. 5. Faith in the revelations The fifth is to believe in the revelations, which meant as informations given by God. Muslims are required to believe not only in the revelations vouchsafed to Prophet Muhammad, which are contained in the Quran, but it is essential for Muslims to believe in all such divine revelations as were vouchsafed to other prophets, from wherever and whichever age. 6. Faith in the hereafter This last principle relates to the life after death. It also implies that every human being will be raised after death in some form, and will be held answerable to God with regards to the life he had led on earth. C. Theoretical Framework The theory of plot is used in this study in order to analyze the plot of the story in The Alchemist. The analysis will be based on Abrams' theory which divides plot into four sections: exposition, complication, climax, denouement. This analysis of plot helps to make the ideas of faith in the novel visible. 11

23 The analysis of the principles of Islamic faith in The Alchemist will be referred to the view of Islam. The view of Islam, especially the six pillars of faith function as the main indication to show the principles of Islamic faith in the novel which will be seen through the plot of the story. 12

24 CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY A. Object of the Study The object of this study is The Alchemist, a novel written by Paulo Coelho. O Alquimista is the Portuguese original version of the novel, published by Editora Rocco Ltd. in Brazil. The English version is prepared by Alan R. Clarke in consultation with Paulo Coelho, first published in 1988 by Harper-Collins Publisher, New York. The Alchemist is probably the most famous novel of Paulo Coelho. The novel has been translated into more than 66 languages, winning the Guinness World Record for most translated book by a living author. It has been sold more than 65 million copies in more than 150 countries, becoming one of the bestselling books in history. B. Approach of the Study According to Guerin in A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature, moralphilosophical approach is an approach that insists on finding out and stating what is exposed and thought. The basic position of moral-philosophical approach is to teach morality and to probe philosophical thought of a period or group (1979:39). Since this study concerns to analyze the principles of Islamic faith in The Alchemist, therefore this study cannot avoid to discuss the philosophical teachings of Islam which of course imply moral values. The moral-philosophical approach is determined as the most 13

25 suitable approach to be used for the analysis. C. Method of the Study The first step of conducting this study is reading and examining the novel The Alchemist itself. The most essential process in this first step is comprehending the story and its details. The second step is formulating the topic to be analyzed, which is the principles of Islamic faith in The Alchemist. This second step includes collecting data, information, and theories which are related to the topic. The basic supporting theories of the analysis are the theory of plot and view of Islam (the six pillars of faith). The third step is determining the approach of the analysis. Since all discussions about Islamic faith tend to imply morality and philosophical thought, therefore moral-philosophical approach is decided to be used for the analysis. And the last step is making a conclusion based on the analysis. 14

26 CHAPTER 4 ANALYSIS A. The Plot in The Alchemist 1. Exposition In this section, Santiago is introduced as the major character of the story. He is described as an adventurous boy from the Spanish countryside of Andalusia. He leads a happy life by being a shepherd. Previously, his parents have wanted him to become a priest. But he follows his own decision and choice to explore the world through walking the Andalusian terrain with his sheep. Santiago's first conflict happens when he has a recurrent dream of being transported to the Egyptian Pyramids by a child. The dream occurs when he is sleeping under a sycamore growing out of a ruined church. An old Gypsy woman with whom Santiago consults his dream, says that the dream is the language of God and it reveals about his destiny to find precious treasure hidden near the Egyptian Pyramids. You came so that you could learn about your dreams, said the old woman. And dreams are the language of God. When he speaks in our language, I can interpret what he has said (13). And this is my interpretation: you must go to the Pyramids in Egypt. I have never heard of them, but, if it was a child who showed them to you, they exist. There you will find a treasure that will make you a rich man. I told you that your dream was a difficult one. It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them... (15). 15

27 The revelation of his destiny brings a state of confusion to Santiago. Part of him wants to take a chance to go for finding the treasure hidden near the Egyptian Pyramids, and the other part of him wants to continue his easier life as a shepherd.... how am I going to get to Egypt? I only interpret dreams. I don't know how to turn them into reality. That's why I have to live off what my daughters provide me with (15). Santiago has no idea about his decision until he meets a mysterious old man named Melchizedek in a plaza of Tarifa. Melchizedek introduces himself as the king of Salem. Although Santiago has never met Melchizedek before, but the old man knows everything about his private life, including his recurrent dream of treasure. Melchizedek can even perform miracle that makes Santiago amazed. before the boy could say anything, the old man leaned over, picked up a stick, and began to write in the sand of the plaza. Something bright reflected from his chest with such intensity that the boy was momentarily blinded. With a movement that was too quick for someone his age, the man covered whatever it was with his cape. When his vision returned to normal, the boy was able to read what the old man had written in the sand. There, in the sand of the plaza of that small city, the boy read the names of his father and his mother and the name of the seminary he had attended... he read things he had never told anyone (21). Melchizedek tells Santiago that he always appear on the scene when people try to realize their destinies. He relates that the week before he has been forced to appear in the form of a stone at the front of a miner. The miner has been working for five years in a certain river, examining hundreds of thousands of stones looking for an emerald, but without any positive result. Since the miner has sacrificed everything to his destiny, Melchizedek decides to help 16

28 him. He transformed himself into a stone that rolled up to the miner's foot. The miner, with all the anger and frustration of his five fruitless years, picked up the stone and threw it aside. But he had thrown it with such force that it broke the stone it fell upon, and there, embedded in the broken stone, was the most beautiful emerald in the world (25). Sometimes I appear in the form of solution, or a good idea. At other times, at a crucial moment, I make it easier for things to happen. There are a lot of things I do, too, but most of the time people don't realize that I've done them (24). Melchizedek reaffirms the old Gypsy woman's statement about Santiago's destiny, and he insists Santiago to give one-tenth of his sheep for him. As an exchange, Melchizedek promises to give Santiago clues how to find his treasure. He convinces Santiago that following his destiny to its accomplishment is his real obligation in life. Why are you telling me all this? Because you are trying to realize your destiny. And you are at the point where you're about to give it all up (24). Treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents, said the old man. If you want to learn about your hidden treasure, you will have to give me one-tenth of your flock (25).... everything in life has its price. This is what the Warriors of the Light try to teach (26). Santiago finally agrees to give one-tenth of his sheep for Melchizedek. Melchizedek's ability to perform miracle makes Santiago believe that the old man is a divine being. He is sure that Melchizedek will give him real clues to find his treasure. After giving one-tenth of his sheep for Melchizedek, Santiago also sells all other sheep to his friend immediately because he 17

29 needs money for his journey. The treasure is at the Pyramids; that you already knew. But I had to insist on the payment of six sheep because I helped you to make your decision (31). Santiago's decision to give one-tenth of his sheep for Melchizedek and sell the rest to his friend informs that the course of his life has changed. By leaving his sheep, it means that he is no longer a shepherd, but a seeker of treasure. After receiving the payment of Santiago's sheep, Melchizedek suggests Santiago to follow the omens and signs given by God during his journey. He also gives Santiago two stones of divination: Urim and Thummim. According to Melchizedek, God has prepared a path for everyone to follow and Santiago just has to walk on his path faithfully until the end. In order to find the treasure, you will have to follow the omens. God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you (30). The old man looked at the boy and, with his hands held together, made several strange gestures over the boy's head. Then, taking his sheep, he walked away. He would never again see the boy, just as he had never seen Abraham again after having charged him one-tenth of his fee... But the King of Salem hoped... that the boy would be successful (34-35). 2. Complication In this section, Santiago experiences conflicts which are more difficult or complicated than the conflict in the previous section. Santiago's complication begins when he arrives in Africa for the first time. In the port, he is quickly robbed of all his money by a thief and left despondent on the street. He thinks himself as a fool because he has believed in his dream. 18

30 He was so ashamed that he wanted to cry. He had never even wept in front of his own sheep. But... he was far from home, so he wept (41). Santiago does not have money to continue his journey to the Egyptian Pyramids. He does not even have money to go back to Spain. He opens his pouch to see what is left of his possessions. In his pouch, he finds two stones that Melchizedek has given him. When he looks at the stones, he feels relieved. The stones mysteriously give calm to Santiago. They remind him on Melchizedek, the king of Salem. By only remembering Melchizedek, Santiago receives a positive energy. He immediately gets a job as customer service in a crystal shop owned by an old merchant. Santiago tells the old merchant that he needs money in order to go to Egypt. But the old merchant laughs at him and answers that even if he works for an entire year, his commission is still not enough to take him to Egypt. The old merchant's statement is the second complication for Santiago because it weakens his hope to find his treasure. He never knows before that there are thousands of kilometers of desert to cross in order to reach Egypt. There was a moment of silence so profound that it seemed the city was asleep. No sound from the bazaars, no arguments among the merchants, no men climbing to the towers to chant. No hope, no adventure, no old kings or destinies, no treasure, and no Pyramids. It was as if the world had fallen silent because the boy's soul had. He sat there, staring blankly through the door... The merchant looked anxiously at the boy. All the joy he had seen that morning had suddenly disappeared. I can give you the money you need to get back to your country, my son, said the crystal merchant. The boy said nothing. He got up, adjusted his clothing, and picked up his pouch. I'll work for you, he said (50). 19

31 Santiago has no other choices, but to stay with his job in the crystal shop for survival. But working in the crystal shop is another complication for Santiago. He sees that his new job is not exactly the kind of job that can give him happiness. The old merchant spends his entire days mumbling behind the counter, telling Santiago to be careful with the pieces and not to break anything. However, spending months in the crystal shop makes Santiago getting used to his job there. He helps the old merchant to make some innovations in the shop. With his helps, the sales have really improved. Santiago receives very great commission from the old merchant because the old merchant considers him bringing luck and profit for the shop. The boy's very presence in the shop was an omen, and, as time passed and money was pouring into the cash drawer, he had no regrets about having hired the boy. The boy was being paid more money than he deserved, because the merchant, thinking that sales wouldn't amount to much, had offered the boy a high commission rate (54). I am proud of you, he said. You brought a new feeling into my crystal shop... (63). After working for a year and earning a lot of money, Santiago decides to leave the crystal shop. At this point, he is again faced with complication. He is tempted to go back home and live simple life as a shepherd. But he is also curious to continue his journey to Egypt for finding his treasure because he has already had enough money to go there. When he is walking the streets to go back home, he suddenly decides to take a chance and continue his journey to Egypt. Since he has made great success in the crystal shop, he believes that he will be successful in search of his treasure. 20

32 The hills of Andalusia were only two hours away, but there was an entire desert between him and the Pyramids. Yet the boy felt that there was another way to regard his situation: he was actually two hours closer to his treasure... the fact that the two hours had stretched into an entire year didn't matter. He suddenly felt tremendously happy. He could always go back to being a shepherd. He could always become a crystal salesman again. Maybe the world had other hidden treasures, but he had a dream, and he had met with a king. That doesn't happen to just anyone! (67) Santiago resolves to take a chance and join a caravan which crosses the desert. Before the caravan starts its journey to Egypt, the leader of the caravan reminds Santiago and the other people to swear to God that they will be good followers. There are a lot of different people here, and each has his own God. But the only God I serve is Allah, and in his name I swear that I will do everything possible once again to win out over the desert. But I want each and every one of you to swear by the God you believe in that you will follow my orders no matter what. In the desert, disobedience means death. There was a murmur from the crowd. Each was swearing quietly to his or her own God... the murmur lasted longer than a simple vow would have. The people were also praying to heaven for protection (74-75). The next complication is in the desert. The journey to Egypt seems endless, and the caravan moves very slow in silence. There is also rumor of tribal war in the desert and it makes the journey becomes more and more dangerous by the day. To avoid thinking about the possibility of war, Santiago puts all his attentions to the desert, instead of reading book or speaking too much. Santiago finds that the desert is alive and it can communicate with him in some ways. I've learned things from the sheep, and I've learned things from crystal, he thought. I can learn something from the desert, too. It seems old and wise (76). 21

33 Everything on earth is being continuously transformed, because the earth is alive... and it has a soul. We are part of that soul.... The boy thought about that for a while as he looked at the moon and the bleached sands. I have watched the caravan as it crossed the desert, he said. The caravan and the desert speak the same language, and it's for that reason that the desert allows the crossing. It's going to test the caravan's every step to see it it's in time, and if it is, we will make it to the oasis (82). After riding for months, the caravan finally arrives in Al-Fayoum, an oasis in Egypt. The people of the caravan are happy and feel gratitude because they do not encounter any armies during their journey in the desert. The oasis is considered as a neutral ground, and everyone feels released from the threat of war. Santiago also feels safe and happy in the oasis. He decides to stay in the oasis for few days before continuing his journey. From Al-Fayoum, Santiago still needs to take few weeks journey by himself in order to reach the Pyramids. 3. Climax One day in Al-Fayoum, Santiago meditates on a stone, and he senses a movement above him. Looking up, he sees a pair of hawks flying high in the sky. The hawks fly without pattern, but he knows that there is meaning in the way they fly. He observes the movement of the birds, trying to give all his attentions. Suddenly, one of the hawks made a flashing dive through the sky, attacking the other. As it did so, a sudden, fleeting image came to the boy: an army, with its swords at the ready, riding into the oasis. The vision vanished immediately, but it had shaken him (105). Santiago knows from his vision that Al-Fayoum will be attacked by an army. He tells 22

34 his vision to the tribal chieftains of the oasis. The tribal chieftains decides to believe in Santiago's vision because they believe that if they have to know about something Allah wants them to know, someone will tell them about it (109). Therefore, they arrange a strategy and allow people of the oasis to carry their arms for a day. The next morning, the army does truly come and attack the oasis, but the people of the oasis have been ready to fight them. Finally, the army can be defeated easily within half an hour by the people of the oasis. After his success in making important prediction, Santiago is made as the counselor of the oasis by the tribal chieftains. They even compare Santiago with Joseph of Egypt and give him pieces of gold. By being the counselor of the oasis, Santiago has enough gold to buy many sheep and many camels. He also has Fatima, a young desert woman of the oasis. They fall in love each other the first time they meet. Santiago spends his beautiful days in the oasis with Fatima. He wants to stay in the oasis forever and forgets about his treasure. But one night, a strange alchemist approaches Santiago and greets him in a mysterious way. The alchemist has already known about Santiago's recurrent dream of treasure by his spiritual knowledge. And he tells his intention to instruct Santiago. I am... going to point you in the direction of your treasure (121). However, Santiago is not interested anymore with the idea of pursuing his treasure since he has already got all worldly enjoyments in the oasis, including Fatima the woman that he loves. But the alchemist reminds Santiago that none of that is from the Pyramids 23

35 (121). He tells Santiago that the treasure hidden near the Egyptian Pyramids are more precious than the gold given by the tribal chieftains. You must not let up, even after having come so far... (117). Concerning about Fatima, the alchemist convinces Santiago that a desert woman knows that man has to go away in order to return. She will expect her man to find the thing he is looking for.... she never asked you to stay, because a woman of the desert knows that she must await her man... what kept you at the oasis was your own fear that you might never come back... You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love... (126). Santiago takes a chance to continue his journey to the Pyramids. He promises Fatima that he will come back as soon as possible to her after he gets his treasure. There is a great sorrow in his heart. But when he finally decides to follow and surrender faithfully to the alchemist, he feels peace. I'm going with you, the boy said. And he immediately felt peace in his heart (127). Don't think about what you've left behind, the alchemist said to the boy as they began to ride across the sand of the desert (130). Riding together with the alchemist, Santiago's journey for finding his treasure turns into a spiritual journey. One day, Santiago feels his heart is afraid that it has to suffer. But the alchemist tells Santiago that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity (137). 24

36 Another day, Santiago asks the alchemist to teach him about alchemy, especially about transforming ordinary metal into gold. However, the alchemist answers that gold is only a symbol of evolution. Gold is the metal that evolved the furthest. It is not so important to transform metal into gold, but the most important is to transform human beings into spiritual beings. It is told that few alchemists who are very wise know about the secret, and they lock themselves in their laboratories, trying to evolve themselves. Since Santiago is not in the laboratory, the alchemist instructs Santiago to immerse in the desert. The desert will give you understanding of the world; in fact, anything on the face of the earth will do that (134). The moment when Santiago decides to follow the alchemist and leave the oasis for continuing his journey can be considered as the final complication or climax of the story. During his journey to the Egyptian Pyramids, Santiago is always faced with choices whether to continue his journey or to give up his effort. But his decision to follow the alchemist tells about his final commitment or ultimate decision. He has already got all worldly enjoyments in the oasis which he never has before, but he is willing to leave all those things behind in order to follow his destiny to its accomplishment. 4. Denouement The alchemist guides Santiago until he comes upon a Coptic monastery. From the monastery, the alchemist instructs Santiago to continue his journey to the Pyramids alone by himself. The Pyramids is not so far from the monastery, and the alchemist feels that he has 25

37 given enough lessons to Santiago. From here on, you will be alone, the alchemist said. You are only three hours from the Pyramids. Thank you, said the boy... I only invoked what you already knew (162). After many adventures, dangers, and important life lessons, Santiago finally reaches the Pyramids. He is very grateful to God because he thinks that he almost accomplishes his destiny, and the treasure is already waiting for him. Santiago begins to dig deep into the sand where his tears have fallen, looking for his treasure. But before he can get far, a group of thieves shows up, beating and robbing him. They force him to continue digging, expecting of precious treasure hidden. They are very disappointed when there is no treasure found. Leave him. He doesn't have anything else... (171). But before the thieves leave, one of them says to Santiago that two years before, right on the spot where Santiago is digging, he has a recurrent dream. The dream tells him that he has to travel to the fields of Spain and look for a ruined church where shepherds and their sheep sleep. The dream also tells him that he will find precious treasure at the root of a sycamore growing out of the ruined church. The thieve says that he is not a fool to believe in a recurrent dream. The group of the thieves finally leaves Santiago. You're not going to die. You'll live, and you'll learn that a man shouldn't be so stupid... I'm not so stupid as to cross an entire desert just because of a recurrent dream (172). 26

38 Instead of being desperate because he does not find his treasure in the Pyramids, Santiago laughs. Santiago's laughter is his expression of happiness as well as embarrassment. He laughs because he has already known where his treasure truly lies. And he also laughs because of feeling so stupid he has already crossed an entire desert for something which is actually buried in his own land. He speaks angrily condemning the alchemist, You old sorcerer... You knew the whole story... (176). But he hears the alchemist's voice on the wind, answering him, If I had told you, you wouldn't have seen the Pyramids. They're beautiful, aren't they? (176). Santiago finally realizes that his journey to the Pyramids has led him to a king, a merchant, a caravan leader, and an alchemist. He thanks God for making him believe in his destiny so that he can meet with those people who has given him many life lessons. And above all for his having met with Fatima, a desert woman who has told him that she is a part of his destiny. Santiago's laughter is also a mark of resolution or denouement of the story, telling that his journey for finding his treasure has really ended. The boy stood up shakily, and looked once more at the Pyramids. They seemed to laugh at him, and he laughed back, his heart bursting with joy (172). Santiago's journey for finding his treasure ends up being right back where it is begun, under the sycamore growing out of a ruined church where he has his recurrent dream years before. He digs and finds a beautiful chest full of gold and gems. There are also precious stones, gold masks, and stone statues. He is truly successful in accomplishing his destiny. After 27

39 finding his treasure, Santiago muttered to himself, I m coming Fatima,... (177). C. The Principles of Islamic Faith in The Alchemist Seen through the Plot of the Story Based on instructions in the Quran (Islam scripture) and elaborated in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (hadith), Islam has six principles of faith, known as the six pillars of faith. The Sunni and Shia have no different opinions on this subject. Both of them believe in these six principles of faith. These six principles of faith may also be found in the scriptures of other religions, especially the ones from Judaism and Christianity. Although Muslims see Islam as a unique monotheistic religion, they also believe that it is one of a group of the Abrahamic religions interlinked through a common mythic lineage to the ancient biblical patriarch and Quranic prophet Abraham. In the Quran, Jews and Christians are considered to be people of the Book who, like Muslims, believe in one God and possess sacred books that came from the same heavenly source (Encyclopedia of Islam, 2009:373). Say: We believe in God and in what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make a distinction between any of them and to Him we submit (Quran, 2:136). This section is written to find out the principles of Islamic faith in The Alchemist. The principles will be seen through the plot of the story which is centered around Santiago as the major character. The analysis will be based on the six pillars of faith as expounded by Tahir 28

40 Ahmad in An Elementary Study of Islam. Some additional informations from Encyclopedia of Islam, Mercy Oceans (collection of teachings of Naqshabandiyya-Haqqani Sufi), including the Quran will also be used to support the analysis. However, it should be noted that the analysis will not touch the Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) aspects, but it only discusses the philosophical aspects of Islam in the elementary level. 1. Faith in the unity of God God (Arabic: Allah) is the creator of the universe who brings life and death. God commands human beings to remember him and to submit to him, but God also shows them his kindness and compassion. God can reward them for their faith and good deeds (Encyclopedia of Islam, 2009:34). The principle of faith in the unity of God is clearly expressed in the Quran. The Quran states that God is one, he does not beget, and he has no equal (Quran, 112). Other verses declare, your God is one God (Quran, 18:110; 21:108; 39:4), while others stress that God has no partner (Quran, 6:163; 17:111). This principle can also be found in the teachings of other religions, including Christianity. It is the principle which is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. The Lord our God is one Lord (Deuteronomy, 6:4). I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me (Isaiah, 45:5). One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians, 4:6). 29