Makam Syekh Hamzah Fansyuri

The Great Footsteps of the Sufi: History and Significance of Syekh Hamzah Fansyuri's Tomb in Subulussalam

Makam Syekh Hamzah Fansyuri is not merely an ancient burial site; it is a spiritual and intellectual epicenter that marks one of the golden peaks of Islamic civilization in the Nusantara. Located in Desa Oboh, Kecamatan Rundeng, Kota Subulussalam, Aceh Province, this site stands as physical evidence of the existence of a renowned poet, Sufi scholar, and pioneer of modern Malay literature whose influence extended to the Malay Peninsula and Southern Thailand.

#

Historical Origins and the Figure Behind the Tomb

Syekh Hamzah Fansyuri lived during the golden age of the Aceh Darussalam Sultanate, particularly during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah al-Mukammil until the early reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda (late 16th to early 17th century). The name "Fansyuri" itself refers to Barus (Fansur), a famous ancient port city renowned for producing high-quality camphor on the west coast of Sumatra.

Although there are some academic debates regarding the exact location of the scholar's death—given the existence of a similar site in Barus, Tapanuli Tengah—the community of Subulussalam and local historians strongly believe that the site in Desa Oboh is his final resting place. This belief is supported by oral traditions passed down through generations and the presence of a community that preserves his scholarly traditions in the Souraya river basin. Hamzah Fansyuri is known as the main figure of the Wahdatul Wujud (Unity of Being) school in the Nusantara, which had a significant influence through his monumental works such as Asrar al-Arifin and Syarab al-Asyiqin.

#

Architecture and Construction Details of the Site

The complex of Makam Syekh Hamzah Fansyuri possesses architectural characteristics that reflect Sufi simplicity as well as the robustness of Acehnese tradition. The main tomb area is housed within a permanent mausoleum building that has undergone several renovations. Inside the building, there is an elongated tombstone, a characteristic of the tombs of great figures from the past in Aceh.

The gravestones found at this tomb have the distinctive typology of Aceh stones, although some parts are covered with green cloth as a sign of respect (ta'zim). The structure of the building surrounding the tomb is dominated by concrete pillars supporting a hip roof. Around the main tomb, there are several graves of his followers or loyal disciples, indicating that this location was once an educational center or dayah where he taught Sufi knowledge.

One of the unique construction features of this site is its location near the riverbank. Traditionally, choosing a location near water symbolizes the philosophy of soul purification in Sufi teachings. Despite being in an area prone to river overflow, the tomb complex stands firm thanks to its elevated foundation structure above the surrounding ground level.

#

Historical Significance and Role in Malay Literature

The importance of this site cannot be separated from Syekh Hamzah Fansyuri's role as the "Father of Malay Literature." He was the first to introduce the form of syair (poem) in the Malay language. Through his poems such as Syair Perahu and Syair Burung Pingai, he transformed the Malay language into a capable intellectual and spiritual medium for explaining complex divine concepts.

This tomb site in Subulussalam bears silent witness to that transformative period. The existence of this tomb in an inland area (Subulussalam) shows that the spread of Islam and Malay literacy in the 16th century did not stop at the coast but also reached the upper reaches of rivers in the interior of Aceh. This proves the very high intellectual mobility of that era.

#

Related Figures and Dynamics of the Era

Hamzah Fansyuri's life is closely related to another great figure, Syekh Syamsuddin al-Sumatrani, who was his student and advisor to Sultan Iskandar Muda. History records that after Hamzah Fansyuri's death, there was an intellectual upheaval in Aceh when Syekh Nuruddin ar-Raniri arrived and brought different ideologies. This led to Fansyuri's works being banned and burned in front of the Masjid Raya Baiturrahman.

However, the tomb in Desa Oboh, Subulussalam, has been safely preserved by the local residents. This indicates that even though his works were purged in the center of power (Kutaraja), at the grassroots level and in the interior regions, the figure of Hamzah Fansyuri remained respected as a waliyullah (saint) and a great teacher.

#

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Makam Syekh Hamzah Fansyuri has been designated as a cultural heritage site. The Subulussalam City Government, along with the Aceh Provincial Government, continues to make infrastructure improvements to support religious tourism. Restorations carried out so far include the construction of access roads, provision of facilities for pilgrims such as prayer rooms and ablution areas, and fencing of the core tomb area to prevent physical damage to the ancient gravestones.

Although the mausoleum has undergone modernization, preservation efforts strive to maintain the authenticity of the gravestone positions. The main challenge in preserving this site is natural factors, given its location in a low-lying area near the river. Therefore, the construction of flood control dikes is part of the long-term preservation plan for the site.

#

Cultural and Religious Importance

For the people of Subulussalam and Aceh in general, this tomb is a spiritual heart. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come from various regions, including Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand. They come not only to pray but also to conduct comparative studies of history and literature.

Every 11th of Rabiul Akhir, commemorations related to the scholar's haul (anniversary of death) are often held, where the community gathers to recite dzikir (remembrance) and re-examine his thoughts. This site also serves as a primary destination for academics researching the development of Islam in Southeast Asia, making Subulussalam an important point on the map of Malay-Islamic history.

#

Unique Facts and Conclusion

One rarely known unique fact is that the existence of this tomb in Subulussalam is evidence of ancient trade routes between the west coast and the interior of Aceh. Furthermore, local residents believe that a fragrant aroma sometimes emanates from around the tomb, which is associated with the name "Fansur" or camphor, which is his identity.

Makam Syekh Hamzah Fansyuri in Subulussalam is more than just a pile of stones and earth. It is a monument to language, literature, and monotheism. Preserving this site means preserving the identity of the Malay people and honoring the intellectual roots that laid the foundation for modern civilization in the Nusantara. Through this site, future generations can learn that from the interior of Aceh, a great thinker once emerged whose works have endured across time.