A Newly Discovered Manuscript: Second Version of Syarh Rubai of Hamzah Fansuri Written by Syamsuddin Al Sumatrani

Abstract

In the paper we provide a report on the discovery of a manuscript containing Syarh Rubai of Hamzah Fansuri written by his disciple Syamsuddin Al Sumatrani, which was found in the Minangkabau area. The manuscript is a second and largerly independent version in comparison to similar manuscript that has been previously found and edited by Ali Hasjmy in Aceh. We identify differences between both manuscripts such as the presentation structure, introduction, colophon, the number of stanza, the date of writing, and dictions. The manuscripts reflect the polemic on wujudiyah between Hamzah Fansuri and Syamsuddin on one side, and Nuruddin Ar Raniri on the other side. Furthermore, the locations related to the manuscripts, Aceh and Minangkabau, show the spread of wujudiyah in the Malay world that add new information to the discussion on local Islamic studies. We argue that the newly found manuscript shows the spread of wujudiyah from Aceh to Minangkabau and the growing number of its followers in the region.