The Arom of Islamization of Java in The Literature of Pesantren: Study of The Rahman Faithur Book by K.H. Sholeh Darat

¹ Master of Literature Program, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
² Master of Literature Program, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
³ Master of Literature Program, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract

KH. Shaleh Darat is a cleric figure who has a big share in the spread of Islam on the North Coast of Java, especially in Semarang and its surroundings. His father, KH Umar, was a prominent scholar whom Prince Diponegoro trusted in the Javanese war against the Dutch in the north coast of Java. After receiving religious knowledge from his father, little Pious began to wander, studying from one scholar to another. KH Syahid Waturaja was recorded (studying fiqh books, such as Fath al-Qarib, Fath Al Mu’in, Minhaj al-Qawim, and Syarb al-Khatib). Kiai Shaleh Darat studied religion with major ulama figures such as KH M Sahid who was the grandson of Shaykh Ahmad Mutamakkin, from Kajen Village, Margoyoso, Pati, Central Java who lived in the Mataram Kartosuro era around the 18th century. By translating many books of fiqh and tasawuf in Javanese, KH Sholeh Darat conveyed the message of da’wah at the house of the Regent of Demak who was the uncle of R.A. Kartini. From behind the veil, Kartini was amazed by Al-Fatihah’s interpretation in Javanese so that Kartini understood. R.A. Kartini urged her uncle to meet KH Sholeh Darat. After meeting, to the kiai, Kartini asked that the Al Quran be translated. At the call of the da’wah and Kartini’s request, KH Sholeh Darat translated it using Arabic Pegon. The book is recorded as the world’s first translation of the Quran in Javanese. The first book of interpretation in Javanese Arabic Pegon is named Faidhur Rohman. Faithur Rahman’s tafsir book is a Javanese interpretation, written the world’s first pegon. Together with the manuscript Syarah Al Hikam KH Sholeh Darat Al Faithur Rahman kept by the takmir of the Sholeh Darat Mosque, Dadapsari, Semarang. What is interesting about Faithur Rahman is his translation in the letter Al Fatihah which explains how the belief system and tarekat (the straight path) in Islam. Then what are the characteristics of pious people in the beginning of the letter Al Baqoroh. With this Javanese translation, it finally made it easier for Javanese Muslims to learn Islam. The ease of learning Islam is what gives a wind of harmony in religion.