Sinkili, Abd-al-Rauf al-
Definition and Background
Sinkili, Abd-al-Rauf al- (d. 1693), was a prominent Islamic scholar from Aceh, North Sumatra, recognized for his significant contributions in translating Islamic texts into Malay. His work bridged the gap between Arabic Islamic scholarship and the Malay-speaking Muslim community.
Early Life and Education
Born in Singkel, North Sumatra, Sinkili traveled to Arabia in 1641 to further his Islamic studies. He remained there until 1660, studying under esteemed scholars like Ahmad al-Qushashi and Ibrahim al-Kurani. These mentors profoundly influenced his intellectual and theological perspectives.
Scholarship and Contributions
After returning to North Sumatra, Sinkili became a key figure in the educational and religious life under the patronage of the Acehnese court. His most notable accomplishment is the adaptive Malay translation of al-Suyuti’s “Tafsir al-Jalalayn” (“The Commentary of the Two Jalals”). This work holds the distinction of being the earliest complete explication of the Quran in Malay and remains an essential text in local madrasas.
Etymology and Translations
- Name: Sinkili, Abd-al-Rauf al-
- Arabic: عبد الرؤوف السنكيلي
- Turkish: Sinkilli Abdülrâûf
Further Readings and Studies
To delve deeper into the life and works of Sinkili, Abd-al-Rauf al-, you may consider the following:
- “Islamic Thought in Southeast Asia: New Interpretations and Movements” - by K. H. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas
- “The Dissemination of Classical Arabic Religious Texts in Southeast Asia” - by Michael Laffan
- “The History of Islam in Indonesia: Unity in Diversity” - edited by Carool Kersten
Key Takeaways
- Pioneering Translator: Sinkili, Abd-al-Rauf al- made landmark contributions in translating Islamic religious texts into Malay, making them accessible to a broader audience.
- Educational Legacy: His works, especially the adapted rendition of “Tafsir al-Jalalayn,” remain influential in contemporary religious education in Indonesia.
- Scholarly Network: His time in Arabia and studies under renowned scholars exemplify the transnational flow of Islamic scholarship during the 17th century.
Conclusion
Sinkili, Abd-al-Rauf al- stands out as a crucial figure in the historical transmission of Islamic knowledge in Southeast Asia. Through his scholarly activities, he played a vital role in making Qur’anic exegesis accessible to the Malay-speaking world, thereby fostering the growth of Islamic learning in the region.
