Islah: Journal of Islamic Literature and History

Resistance Against Colonialism in Abdul Hamid al-Farahi’s Poetry During the Fall of the Ottoman Empire

Izza Vithry Hayah — 2025-08-19

The dissolution of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century shook the Islamic world, worsened by Italy’s Colonial Conquests of Tripoli (1911–1912). This study examines the representation of history in an Arabic poem by the Indian poet Abdul Hamid al-Farahi, titled Fī Taṭāwul al-Ṭalyān ʿalā Ṭarābulus, using Stephen Greenblatt's New Historicism. The research uncovers how al-Farahi’s poem serves as a literary response to the fall of the Ottoman Empire during Italian colonial aggression. The historical context is analyzed in parallel with poetic expression within the New Historicism framework. The method used is descriptive-qualitative with the following stages: (1) repeated close reading, (2) translation of verses, (3) identification of historical symbols, and (4) thematic classification. Data analysis involves (1) parallel reading between the poem and historical texts and (2) interpretation based on subthemes. The results show that the poem reflects themes of colonization, the suffering of the Muslim community, the trauma of invasion, and a call to defend religious and national dignity. Through New Historicism, the study demonstrates that literature and historical narratives are interconnected, and that al-Farahi’s poem can be read as a historical form of resistance against colonial oppression.

Historical Review of Blambangan in 1309 - 1763

nurmaria nurmaria — 2025-08-19

Due to its geographical location at the eastern tip of Java Island, Blambangan was often contested by other kingdoms, considered strategic as it formed the border between Java and Bali. This study aims to examine the establishment and existence of Blambangan kingdom from a historical perspective. This study is based on two questions about whether Blambangan was an independent kingdom or part of another. The other kingdom referred to was either the Kingdom of Bali in the east or the Majapahit Empire in the west. The research method used was historical method, preceded by heuristic process, criticism, interpretation and historiography. Based on the research findings, Blambangan was founded in 1309 as part of the Majapahit Empire, given by Raden Jayanegara to Arya Wiraraja as a reward for his loyalty. This study discusses important events in history including the succession of kings over time, the separation of Blambangan into western and eastern regions, the transfer of the kingdom's capital, the expansion of the territory as part of the peak of the glory of the Blambangan Kingdom, and the death of King Danuningrat, which marked the end of Tawang Alun dynasty, from a historical perspective.

Shahbandar and Waliyah: Islamic Female Leadership in Gresik (11th-15th Centuries)

Abdul Karim Wirawan — 2025-08-29

This study aims to analyze two models of female leadership in Islam in Gresik during the formative period (11th -15th centuries) by comparing Siti Fatimah binti Maimun (d. 1082 CE) and Nyai Ageng Pinatih (active 1458-1477 CE). Employing microhistory and feminist historiography methodologies, the research reveals two distinct forms of authority: spiritual genealogical leadership (Waliyah) and structural-maternal leadership (Shahbandar). Siti Fatimah established her authority through Islamic genealogy and religious scholarship, reflected in her monumental tomb complex. Meanwhile, Nyai Ageng Pinatih utilized administrative competence and political networks as the shahbandar (port master) of Gresik port. The findings demonstrate the flexibility of the Nusantara Islamic social system in accommodating female leadership through diverse legitimation mechanisms, challenging the religious-secular authority dichotomy. Moreover, the research also reveals the disparity in collective memory between the two figures, reflecting gender bias in Indonesian Islamic historiography. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding the complexity of female leadership traditions in Indonesian Islam and its relevance to contemporary gender debates.

Analysis of Language Style in the Syair Dagang by Hamzah Fansuri

cucu nurhayati — 2025-08-28

This study aims to examine the use of figurative language in Syair Dagang by Hamzah Fansuri. Hamzah Fansuri is recognized as one of the prominent literary figures during the golden age of Islamic kingdoms in the Indonesian Archipelago, particularly in 16th-century Aceh. The research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through online sources and analyzed using reading and note-taking techniques. The analysis reveals several types of figurative language found in the poem. Four types of figures of speech were identified: metaphor (2 instances), antithesis (1 instance), simile (1 instance), and repetition (5 instances). In addition, 19 significant diction choices were found that enrich the overall meaning of the poem. These findings indicate that Hamzah Fansuri’s use of stylistic elements and diction not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the poem but also deepens its spiritual and philosophical messages.

Anīs Chouchène’s Worldview on Women’s Rights In The Poem “Yā Imraʾata Mustaʿbadah” (A Genetic Structuralism Analysis)

Nur Afifah — 2025-08-28

This research focuses on men’s view of women by examining social facts, collective subjects, and global perspectives to understand author’s views in the poem Yā Imra’ata Musta‘badah (“O Enslaved Woman”). This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using dialectical methods. Dialectics works on the concepts of “whole–part” and “understanding–explanation.” The methods used in this research were observation and note-taking, using the genetic structuralism theory by Lucien Goldmann. The results of this study reveal the presence of social facts, collective subjects, and the author’s worldview. The social facts in Yā Imra’ata Musta‘badah are represented through depictions of violence against women. The collective subject of the poem reflects disappointment with the patriarchal system in Tunisian society, leaving women vulnerable to physical and verbal abuse. In addition, the author’s worldview, Anīs Chouchène, conveys the existence of revolutionaries as forms of transformation and resistance against the violence that occured. The underlying fact driving the poem’s creation was the patriarchal society in Tunisia, where men’s interests still took precedence over women’s. Hence, women were often denied the rights and justice they deserved.