Episode 4
Sheikh Abdurrauf as-Singkili — Pioneer of the Malay Qur'an Commentary
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Abdurrauf as-Singkili, from Singkil in Aceh and living in the 17th century, was one of the most influential scholars in the history of archipelago learning. He studied for many years in the Middle East, including Makkah and Madinah, before returning to serve in Aceh as mufti. His most monumental work is "Tarjuman al-Mustafid," widely known as the first complete commentary on the Qur'an in the Malay language. This work made the meaning of the Qur'an accessible to the people of the archipelago in their own tongue — a great leap for the spread of Islamic understanding. He also spread the Shattariyya order peacefully and stressed the balance between the sacred law and sufism. His name was so honoured that it was immortalised as "Syiah Kuala" — and is today the name of Syiah Kuala University in Banda Aceh. Reflection: opening the door of knowledge to the many is a deed that flows on and on. By rendering the meaning of the Qur'an, as-Singkili gave his people a light they could read for themselves. Sources & Notes: as-Singkili's career is documented through his surviving works, especially Tarjuman al-Mustafid, and records of the spread of the Shattariyya order in the archipelago. The immortalisation of his name as "Syiah Kuala" and the naming of a state university after him are facts verifiable to this day.
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Sheikh Yusuf al-Makassari — Scholar, Fighter, and Wanderer