Sheikh Nuruddin Al Raniri And His Critical Writing in Bustanus Salatin

The prominence and scholarship of Sheikh Nuruddin al-Raniri has been acknowledged and recognized in the Malay world in particular, his outstanding leadership and contributions in various fields that have greatly facilitated later generations to understand Islam as a true way of life. As a scholar, al-Raniri had authored numerous works on various disciplines of Islam specifically on tasawwuf, theology, fiqh and history. His famous works showed the extensive knowledge in the fields that he specialized. The role of Muslim scholars in the previous centuries after the coming of Islam in the Malay Archipelago, in their effort to spread Islam and develop thinking of the people was acknowledged. Al-Raniri’s contribution to the study of history was, nevertheless, no less substantial. In his historical work titled Bustanal-Salatin fi Dhikr al-Awwalin wa al-Akhirin (The Garden of Kings, Showing forth the Origin of All Creation and the End thereof), he was the first writer in the Malay-Indonesian World to initiate a new form of Malay historical writing and to introduce the concept of Islamic history. Therefore, this study discussed biography of al-Raniri, his role and great contributions on the writing of Bustanus Salatin. The method used in writing of this research is mainly based on qualitative methodology, by using of secondary data and materials from the past studies. In addition, this study also organizes library research and analyses several credible academic journals to discover the subject discussed. The results of the study found that Al Raniri had significantly contributed to the development and progress of Islam, specifically in Pahang and Aceh. Bustanus Salatin was also found suitable for reference by the rulers and leaders today for the reason that it covers various stories of kings in the past. The rulers of today should refer to Bustanus Salatin as a reference to inculcate good governance in their administration and government. So, as a Muslim, we should appreciate these great contributions for the sake of ummah. Therefore, efforts should be made to reveal the scholars’ importance and significant for public knowledge. This recognition is vital, especially to give more exposure to Muslims on the contribution of Muslim intelligentsias in modern age.