Getting to Know Suluk or Primbon Sunan Bonang, Also Read a Brief Biography and Preaching History

Kapanlagi.com - In Java Island, Wali Songo is an important figure in the spread of Islam. As the name suggests, Wali Songo consists of 9 people. Sunan Bonang is one of them. Sunan Bonang is known as Wali Songo who preached through art and works. In Javanese society, there is the existence of primbon Sunan Bonang.

Sunan Bonang is an influential Islamic figure in Java. Living in the 15th century, there are still many teachings of Sunan Bonang that are still upheld today. These teachings can be learned through the works of Sunan Bonang in the form of suluk or primbon. So, what is the content of primbon Sunan Bonang?

To find out suluk or primbon Sunan Bonang, just follow the review below.

1. Brief Biography of Sunan Bonang

Illustration of Sunan Bonang's Brief Biography (credit: flickr)

Throughout his life in spreading the Islamic religion, Sunan Bonang produced many works called suluk. Some Javanese people see suluk and primbon as the same thing. However, before knowing the suluk or primbon of Sunan Bonang, it is good to first get to know the figure of Sunan Bonang through his brief biography.

Sunan Bonang or Syekh Maulana Makhdum Ibrahim was born in 1448 AD in Tuban. Sunan Bonang was born to the couple Sunan Ampel and Dewi Candrawati and is the 24th descendant of Prophet Muhammad. Sunan Bonang has eight siblings, one of whom is Raden Qasim, who is better known as Sunan Drajat.

Sunan Bonang obtained Islamic education and knowledge from his father, Sunan Ampel, at Pesantren Ampeldenta. Sunan Bonang also studied under Sunan Giri, Raden Patah, and Raden Kusen. In addition, Sunan Bonang once studied from Syaikh Maulana Ishak while on a pilgrimage journey with Raden Paku Sunan Giri.

Sunan Bonang is known as one of the most intelligent Wali Sanga, mastering various sciences such as fiqh, ushuluddin, tasawuf, art, literature, architecture, and martial arts with extraordinary abilities. Sunan Bonang is also known to have the ability to find water sources. In the Babad Daha-Kediri, it is recorded that Sunan Bonang was able to change the flow of the Brantas River, causing areas that initially refused to accept Islamic preaching to experience water shortages and some to experience floods.

Throughout his life, Sunan Bonang preached in East Java and Central Java. His preaching began in Kediri, East Java, and he established a small mosque on the banks of the Brantas River, in the village of Singkal. Initially, Sunan Bonang's preaching was rejected. However, Sunan Bonang never gave up and eventually succeeded in converting the Duke of Kediri, Arya Wiranatapada, and his daughter.

From Kediri, Sunan Bonang continued his preaching mission to Demak, Central Java. Sunan Bonang was invited by Raden Patah, the King of Demak at that time. Sunan Bonang was trusted to become the imam of the Demak Mosque. Although he did not serve as an imam for long, Sunan Bonang then chose to continue his preaching mission in Lasem. Sunan Bonang finally passed away at the age of 60, around the year 1525 AD, and was buried in Tuban.

2. Dakwah Method of Sunan Bonang

Illustration of the Sunan Bonang Preaching Method (credit: flickr)

As a preacher, Sunan Bonang had a unique method of teaching Islam. The original name of Sheikh Maulana Makhdum Ibrahim was inspired by a Javanese gamelan instrument, which led to the nickname "Sunan Bonang". As known, bonang is an element of gamelan that resembles a wide plate-sized gong.

The name Sunan Bonang is related to his mission of preaching, often conveyed through the art of gamelan. With gamelan, Sunan Bonang successfully approached the community and conveyed the teachings of Islam.

However, there are differences between the Hindu-Buddhist era gamelan and the one brought by Sunan Bonang. Specifically, Sunan Bonang developed gamelan by adding instruments such as rebab and bonang. Additionally, he also created his own music and lyrics used in his series of preaching.

3. Primbon of Sunan Bonang

Illustration of the Primbon of Sunan Bonang (credit: unsplash)

It has been mentioned earlier that Sunan Bonang has produced many works of art. One of the types of artwork is suluk or also known as primbon Sunan Bonang. In Arabic, the word suluk is actually interpreted as a journey of thariqah or tasawuf.

Suluk or primbon Sunan Bonang is created in the form of tembang and prose or also known as wirid. There are several suluk or primbon Sunan Bonang that are quite famous, here are some of them.

1. Primbon Sunan Bonang: Suluk Wijil

First, there is suluk or primbon Sunan Bonang Wijil. This poetic suluk contains two meanings, namely the depiction of the transition from Hinduism to Islam in various aspects of life such as culture, politics, literature, and beliefs. All of them are presented chronologically according to the moment of the downfall of the Majapahit Kingdom which was then replaced by the Demak Sultanate.

The second meaning is Wijil Kinasih which means a path to understand religion more deeply. Inside Wijil Kinasih, there are secrets and implicit messages to understand oneself, discussions about the essence of intention, and the main goals in worship.

2. Primbon Sunan Bonang: Suluk Gentur

Secondly, there is Primbon Sunan Bonang called Suluk Gentur. This Suluk is also known as Suluk Bentur. This work explains the stages towards the peak of Sufi spirituality. This poetic Suluk is expressed in the form of tembang wirangrong.

The term 'Gentur' or 'Bentur' itself refers to completeness and spirit. Furthermore, this Suluk explains the essence of syahadat deeply, including syahadat before birth, during conversion to Islam, and the syahadat uttered by prophets, saints, and true believers.

3. Primbon Sunan Bonang: Suluk Latri

Thirdly, there is Suluk Latri. The original manuscript of Primbon Sunan Bonang can be found at Leiden University. This prosaic Suluk describes the restless feelings of someone awaiting the presence of their Beloved. The more the night falls, the deeper their restlessness and longing become. Unfortunately, when the Beloved comes, they forget everything except the face of the Beloved.

Those are some explanations related to Suluk or Primbon Sunan Bonang. Hopefully, they are useful and can answer your curiosity all this time.

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