JAWI SCRIPT AND WRITINGS IN THE MALAY WORLD: APPROACHES AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO ISLAMIC DISCOURSE

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) Volume 9, Issue 4, April 2018, pp. 1269 1275, Article ID: IJCIET_09_04_142 Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?jtype=ijciet&vtype=9&itype=4 ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316 IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed JAWI SCRIPT AND WRITINGS IN THE MALAY WORLD: APPROACHES AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO ISLAMIC DISCOURSE Asyraf Hj Ab Rahman, Farhanah binti Abdullah, Abdul Manan Ali, Firdaus Khairi Abdul Kadir Centre for Fundamental and Liberal Education, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Inspire, Unisza ABSTRACT Jawi scripts and Jawi writings that came in the form of yellow books (kitab kuning) and magazines are synonymous with the Malay culture and heritage since the coming of Islam into the Malay archipelago. Malay Scholars once claimed that the only real treasure of Malaysia was Malay language with its writing system, Jawi script which considered almost 1,000 years old since its introduction. This could be seen with the transfer of knowledge from Arabic language into Malay languages and writings thus, resulted in the rapid growth and development of knowledge traditions in the Malay World. This paper tends to highlight the historical development of Jawi script and the role of Jawi writings known as kitab Jawi (yellow Jawi books) and magazines to Islamic discourse. Using qualitative research design involving content analysis of primary and secondary data, coupled with interviews with selected informants, the study traced back the evolution of learning and writings Jawi script from past to the present days and how its contribution considered immense to Islamic discourse. The study found that Jawi manuscripts and magazines such as Aqaid al- Nasafi and Pengasuh had a great contribution to the Islamic worldview discourse amongst Muslim community especially in dealing issues pertaining to Muslim Ummah. Their approaches such as the inclusion of classical and current Muslim scholars views whilst dealing with important issues made the magazines so influential and attractive to the public to have clear understanding of Islam and contemporary issues during those days. Key words: Jawi script, Muslim scholars, Malay Community Cite this Article: Asyraf Hj Ab Rahman, Farhanah binti Abdullah, Abdul Manan Ali, Firdaus Khairi Abdul Kadir,, Jawi Script and Writings in the Malay World: Approaches and Contributions to Islamic Discourse, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 9(4), 2018, pp. 1269 1275. http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?jtype=ijciet&vtype=9&itype=4 http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1269 editor@iaeme.com

Asyraf Hj Ab Rahman, Farhanah binti Abdullah, Abdul Manan Ali, Firdaus Khairi Abdul Kadir, 1. INTRODUCTION Malays are known for their traditions and customs that have long been practiced. Good moral conducts such as politeness and modesty of the Malays are normally associated with a life guided by Islamic law and heritage. History shows that the coming of Islam into the Malay world was through the Arab merchants and their trading activities that were carried in the Malay Archipelago in the 10 th century. Some historians argued and believed that Jawi writing was introduced since the 11 th century (Yazid Haji Uthman, 1995). Before the arrival of Islam, majority of the people in Southeast Asia believed in animism and dynamism. Elements of Hinduism and Buddhism also existed and had been practiced by Malays in the Malay Archipelago. Islam came as a new religion, new culture, new life, and new perspective of life for the Malay people. Religion of Islam slowly discard the practices of Hinduism and Buddhism and guide Malays to find their own identities, objectives and meaning of life. Among the Islamic cultures that had been absorbed into Malay cultures are the language and its writings using Arabic letters. According to Za ba (1965) there have been so many Arabic words that are well digested into the Malay language, for example word Allah, Malaikat, Rasul, Nabi, kitab and many others which show their Islamic influences. These words and other terminologies were used widely and influenced the writings of many books in particular, Jawi writings or Kitab Jawi. Amat Juhari (1996) notes about this phenomenon saying that the usage of Indian writing or Rencong does not fit to the new culture of the Malay society during those days. To replace the Indian writing and accommodate the new surroundings, Arabic writings was then taken into place and used in the Malay language and culture. The use of Arabic writings put many of Malay scholarly works more productive and accessible to the public and Muslims of other continents as well. Thereby, Arabic writing or later known as Jawi script is produced and becomes a vital tool in spreading Islamic knowledge and expanding the Malay cultures. According to Sejarah Bahasa Melayu (Kang (. جاوة ( Jawah evolved from the Arabic language (جاوي) Yong Seock, 1990), the word Jawi Based on the adjective form in Arabic language, the word Jawah or Jawi refers to all nations and races in South East Asia and even included the entire Malay race, Champa, Patani, Aceh, Java, Minangkabau, Mandailing, Sundanese, Bugis, Banjar, Lombok, Philippines and people of other neighboring states (Alwee Mohd Yusoff, 2005). According to other source of historical research, the word Orang Jawi refers to all indigenous races and ethnicities living in Southeast Asia and was not limited to the Javanese in Java only (Ahmad Juhari Muain, 1996:17). The word Jawi was then associated and closely used for many phrases such as Jawi script and Jawi race. The Jawi script has become widely used in many places of Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Brunei, South Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore and so on. Several publishing and printing companies established in (Patani), Thailand, (Pulau Pinang and Kelantan), Malaysia and some other places which suported the production of Jawi manuscripts by Malay scholars such as Sheikh Daud al-fatani, Sheikh Wan Ahmad al-fatani, Shaikh Hamzah al-fansuri, Syeikh Nuruddin al-raniri, Shaikh Shamsuddin al-sumatra i and many others. Malay race considered one of the few races that has familiar background with Jawi script. When Malay language is written using Arabic characters, it is known as Jawi script. However, Jawi script and Jawi language are designed to write the Malay language only. Other languages of ethnicities are not suitable for the Arabic interpretation. This indicates that Jawi script is specifically created to accommodate the Malay language. According to Hasyim Musa (2006), Shellabear, a Methodist missionary scholar in Malay literature once said that the Malays have adopted the Jawi script directly from the Arabs and the Arabs are actually the first one who uses Jawi writing system to write Malay language that is known as today as Jawi script. http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1270 editor@iaeme.com

Jawi Script and Writings in the Malay World: Approaches and Contributions to Islamic Discourse 2. METHODOLOGY Data for this study are derived from qualitative research design involving content analysis of primary and secondary data, coupled with interviews with selected informants. The study traced back the evolution of learning and writings Jawi script from past to the present days and how its contribution considered immense to Islamic discourse. All the data are analyzed according to selected themes relevant to the study objectives. 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Jawi alphabets and scripts within Malay Community Malay languages evolve naturally from Arabic alphabets. The Jawi alphabets comprise 29 Arabic characters and 6 additional letters devised by the Malays to accommodate local vocal sounds. The 6 letters are cha,(چ) nga (ڠ), pa,(ڤ) ga,(ڬ) nya,(ڽ) and va (ۏ) (Shakila,2012). It is because the Jawi script is more compatible with the Islamic terms which are originated from the Quran and Hadith sources. Jawi script is mostly used in the Southeast Asia compared to other region. It has been used by Malays and even other races. Through Jawi script, Islam also was able to expand in the Malay Archipelago. Malay language and literature also flourished via using the Jawi script. Jawi script played a more important role when it was widely used to write religious books, tales, law and administration. Malay language has been enriched by terms of Arabic in the knowledge transfer process. This development can be seen not only in the books and literary works during the past eras, but even in daily life and business activities. Through the Jawi script, Muslim scholars were encouraged and became more proactive to come up with scholarly works for the benefit of the surrounding Muslim community. Among Muslim scholars that took part in spreading Islam using Jawi writings were Shaikh Hamzah al-fansuri, Syeikh Nuruddin al-raniri, Shaikh Shamsuddin al-sumatra i and Shaikh Abdul Rauf Ali al-fansuri al-singkili. Many other works from Muslim scholars that have been translated to Jawi script such as Tarjuman al-mustafid, Sirat al-mustaqim, Sayr al-salikin ila 'ibadah rabb al-'alamin, and Warda al-zawahir. The translation is one of the ways to help the Muslim community in Malay Archipelago understanding religious teachings as majority of them are not able to understand Arabic language. Thus, the spreading of Islamic teachings through the Jawi book (Kitab Jawi) or Yellow book (Kitab Kuning) were immense, coupled with thoughts and views of Muslim scholars from Middle East brought and contributed greatly to the Islamic teachings in Malay Archipelago. The scholarly works produced by Muslim scholars are based on Islamic foundations. To understand the gist of the writings, Muslim scholars at that time take a step into translation process. The translation activity began in 16 th century until 19 th century. The scholarly works have a diversity of content such as Tawheed, Tasawuf, Fiqh, Quran, Hadith, and others. Thus, the role of kitab Jawi is enormous in preaching Islamic values and Islamic fundamentals. Distinctive Approaches in attracting readership Aqaid al-nasafi Among the oldest kitab Jawi in Malay Archipelago is Aqaid al-nasafi by Syeikh Nuruddin al- Raniri. This work is a translation work from the original kitab which is Aqaid written by Abu Hafs bin Muhammad bin Muhammad Nasafi. The prominent role of Aqaid al-nasafi in delivering Islamic knowledge is undeniable in the Malay Archipelago since the book discussed the Islamic teachings in line with Ahl Sunnah wal Jamaah s principle of belief in particular that related with al-maturiti s approach. In additions, the book contained numerous http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1271 editor@iaeme.com

Asyraf Hj Ab Rahman, Farhanah binti Abdullah, Abdul Manan Ali, Firdaus Khairi Abdul Kadir, Islamic fundamentals and Aqeedah which are very important to Muslims daily life such as questions of Iman, Prophets, life in the hereafter and issues pertaining to Islamic political life which in line with Sunni principles. In addition to this development, there were also publications contributed by the Peranakan Chinese community considered also as among the pioneers of Malay journalism during the British colonial period in Malaya. List of publications associated to this community were Bintang Timor (1894), Kabar Slalu (1924), Kabar Ucapan Baru (1926) and Bintang Peranakan (1930). The earliest Malay publication in the Jawi script was the Malay-English bilingual magazine called Bustan Ariffin or Malay Magazine published by Christian missionaries in Malacca in 1821 (The Star, 2005). At the beginning of the 20th century, Malay community has been introduced to various old Jawi magazines. The emergence of magazines like Pengasuh, al-imam, Saudara, Majlis, Warta Malaya and others gave exposure to the community at that time in various aspects of knowledge in particular, various issues related to Islam, socially, politically and economics. All these magazines were written in Jawi. Initially, most of the magazines discussed the movement to build Malay identity and to fight against the colonial influences. According to Faisal (2013), the early development of Malay publishing magazines in Malaysia is driven by two factors, namely strong awareness of Islam and struggle towards Malay identity. However, the religious issues are also being put forward such as al-quran and Sunnah, Fiqh, Usul-fiqh and Usul al-din (Aqeedah). The magazines also considered as platform for Muslim scholars to share their thoughts and views on the Islamic knowledge as it is always a general concern among the Malays. This movement considered as an intellectual movement against the trends of westernization after the colonial conquest. Pengasuh Magazine Pengasuh is one of the oldest Jawi magazine in Malaysia. Pengasuh magazine is founded by Muhammad Yusuf Ahmad or famously known as Tok Kenali. It was published in 1918 by Majlis Agama Islam Kelantan (MAIK) and is still in publication until today. Pengasuh focuses on issues related to religion of Islam. Despite many sections devout under Pengasuh, the religion section is not being subsided. Looking to its contents, the discussion of Islam in Pengasuh can be considered as comprehensive and related to the Malay community. People can relate and gain more understanding towards their general concern of Islam through Pengasuh. Apart from Aqeedah, the content of Pengasuh also includes the basics study of Hadith, Quran, Tasawuf, Fiqh, Ibadah, Muamalat, Muslim scholars sections, philosophies of Islam, comparative religion, modern ideologies and many more. There are articles including elaboration of Aqeedah by Imam al-ghazali, the exposure of Christian missionary activities and issues related to the deviation of Islamic teachings such as teachings of Hasan Anak Rimau and other religious deviances. Besides, Pengasuh also provides sermons column. The sermons touched on the current issues revolving around Muslims and general concern about their life. All the writings can serve as a reminder and additional explanation to all Muslims to protect their identity and belief. The use of Pengasuh as reading materials in the early nineteenth brought Muslims a step closer to understand Islam as a way of life. The works of scholars in Pengasuh are seen more valuable and had a wide reputation among Muslim community. This is due to some reasons among which were their vast religious knowledge, their consistent understanding and explanation on Tawheed, more experienced in handling Muslims concerns. Although Pengasuh publication is no longer as active as in the past, the use of Pengasuh as the focus and reference of research, widely increased amongst students from education institutions and colleges. This development will help many interested parties in upholding the identity and importance of Jawi writing since http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1272 editor@iaeme.com

Jawi Script and Writings in the Malay World: Approaches and Contributions to Islamic Discourse the magazine still use Jawi script. Apart from highlighting various contemporary issues, Pengasuh also considers views of well-known scholars namely Imam al-ghazali with his quotes from إحياء علوم الدين about good deeds and purification of souls (edition 409-415, 1975). While dealing with religious deviances in society, Pengasuh exposed its readers and shares views of Sayyid Qutb and Sheikh Waliyullah al-dahlawi s works on Islamic world view in a true sense together with examples (edition 418, 1984). In this regard, Qutb s writings such as are elaborated scientifically (edition خصائص التصور اإلسالهي and تفسير في الظالل القرآن,هعالن في الطريق 474, 1983, 1984, 1991). Since Pengasuh aimed to propagate Islamic creeds to the surrounding community amongst its readers, works of Al-Maududi and Hassan al-banna were also paramount in its contents. This includes some challenges or obstacles need to be faced by Muslim towards creating just and harmony society. Al-Maududi and Hasan al-banna s (edition 477, 1985) ideas and writings went on to influence a vast number of Islamic movements in the Muslim world including in Malaya at those time. More importantly, Maududi s advocating message the formation of an Islamic state through Islamizing various aspects of the economy, social and politics seemed to attract those Malay Muslims who saw that something must be done so that a fully Islamized polity could be built for a better solution to the existing socio milieu facing Muslims community (edition 507 and 508, 1991). These approaches in Pengasuh suggest that in attracting the publics, the magazine referred to expert views in supporting their argument on the current issues that plagued the Muslim society at the time, thus making this magazine interested in multiple layers of readers 4. CONCLUSION The role of old Jawi script and writings is so influential in Islamic discourse and Islamic knowledge. Muslims are no longer need to rely on Arabic books solely to learn the beliefs and so on. Old Jawi manuscripts and magazines are used as a new platform to have a deeper understanding of Islamic guidance for local communities. Jawi writings become a helpful hand for the Muslim community in learning Islamic knowledge as compared to the students in Islamic studies. This is because those who learn in pondok (traditional schools) and madrasah are already using Arabic scriptures as their primary reference, in addition to their religious teachings. Therefore, Jawi manuscripts such as Aqaid al-nasafi and Pengasuh magazine certainly provide them very useful insights to the earlier Muslim community in adhering to the faith of Islam and Islamic fundamentals. In other words, contribution of Islamic magazine such as Pengasuh is so great in awakening the spirit of love of jawi script and writings within the Muslim community at that time, besides revealing them with the teachings of Islam. Approaches employed by this magazine are flexible and in accordance with the current needs of Muslim community, coupled with some views of well-known scholars in regards to the specific issues discussed. ACKNOWLDEGEMENT This study was part of a research conducted under sponsorship of the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia (FRGS 59392) related to the Learning of Jawi and Jawi new learning methods in selected schools, Malaysia. http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1273 editor@iaeme.com

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