Sabtu, 29 Ogos 2009
Pengerakan Pondok Tok Kenali (PPTK)
1.Tidak dikatakan melayu kalau tidak beragama islam, wahai semua orang islam!, mari, marilah bergerak bersama P.P.T.K atau Pengerakan Pondok Tok Kenali dalam segala hal pada setiap masa dan tempat seperti jemaah tabligh dari india dan sebagainya
2. Kita semua adalah bersaudara, hendaklah berbaik2 dan meperbaikan orang-orang Islam semua, tanpa mengira idologi, kerana kita islam yang beriman kepada Allah yang satu, maka hendaklah anda bersatu dgn kami serta berkerjasama..- berdakwah kearah amal makruf nahi mungkar, ingatlah ! berpegang teguh dengan agama Allah dan jangan berpecah belah, bertolong bantu kearah membuat kebajikan dan bertaqwa jagnalan berkerjaasama membuat dosa dan kearah perbalahan.
3.Kepada sesiapa berminat silalah hubungi! melalui Tel 097654666 / 012-9540237
Dialamat:
Yg DiPertua P.P.T.K
Tuan Guru Haji Lokman Bin Tuan Guru Haji Ahmad bin Tok Kenali
Nazir Dewan Tok Kenali / Penaung Masjid Tok Kenali
Pondok Tok Kenali, Jalan Tok Kenali 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel 097654666 / 012-9540237
Isnin, 17 Ogos 2009
Produk HPA
GUNA ID HPA: (385946.MY01 DEWAN TOK KENALI) JIKA INGIN MENCUBA PRODUK HPA. DAPAT HARGA PENGEDAR. @ DAFTAR SEBAGAI AHLI HPA DENGAN JADIKAN ID (385946.MY01 DEWAN TOK KENALI) SEBAGAI PENAJA ANDA. ISI BAHAGIAN BORANG AHLI HPA RUANGAN "PENAJA" . @ Daftar ONLINE
Jumaat, 14 Ogos 2009
Permohonan derma Pembinaan Dewan Tok Kenali
PONDOK TOK KENALI,JALAN TOK KENALI
16150 Kota Bharu,KELANTAN
CARA UNTUK MEMBUAT AMAL JARIAH,
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AKAUN NO: 0301 0000 6717 18
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ATAS NAMA: HAJI LOKMAN BIN HAJI AHMAD
A/C NO: 00100 2989 838 1366
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ATAS NAMA: DEWAN TOK KENALI
NO.AKAUN: 5531 0441 1293
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Muhammad Yusuf bin Ahmad ( Tok Kenali )
Ulama tersohor dari Kelantan
Nama: Muhammad Yusuf bin Ahmad
Gelaran: Tok Kenali
Lahir: sekitar 1868 M
Wafat: 19 November, 1933
Etnik: Melayu
Rantau: Semenanjung Tanah Melayu
Muhammad Yusuf bin Ahmad atau lebih dikenali sebagai Tok Kenali (1868 – 1933) ialah seorang tokoh tokoh ‘Ulama’Ulung , guru agama Islam yang agung, tokoh pembangun pemikiran umat Islam di dunia dan pencetus ilmu pengajian Islam di Malaysia dan Asia Tenggara khususnya, di awal abad ke-20. Beliau seorang Alim Rabbani yang dalam hidupnya banyak berpandukan kitab Suci Al-Quran disamping Sunnah Nabi Muhammad Shallallaahu alaihi wasallam. Beliau disebut juga sebagai seorang yang memilih hidup sederhana dan juga seorang wali keramat dan mendapat ilham daripada Allah dan ilmu laduni (Ilmu Kurniaan Ilahi tanpa belajar).
Isi kandungan
[sorok]
* 1 Tok Kenali - Tokoh Besar Ulama Kelantan
* 2 Kelahiran Tok Kenali
* 3 Latar Belakangnya
* 4 Kebolehan Luar Biasa
* 5 Menyambung Pelajaran Ke Kota Bahru
* 6 Melanjutkan Pelajaran Ke Tanah Suci Mekah
* 7 Penghidupan Tok Kenali di Tanah Suci Mekah
* 8 Perkembangan Pelajaran
* 9 Lawatan Tok Kenali ke Mesir
* 10 Pulang ke Tanah Air
* 11 Menghembus Nafas Terakhir
* 12 Jawatan-jawatan Tok Kenali
* 13 Kegiatan-kegiatan dan Jasa Tok Kenali
* 14 Perkembangan Pengaruh
* 15 Perkembangan Pondok Sekolah Agama dan Sekolah Melayu
* 16 Tok Kenali Melahirkan Angkatan Pengarang
* 17 Peribadi dan Sifat-sifat Utama
* 18 Tok Kenali dan Hal-hal Kemasyarakatan
* 19 Tok Kenali dan Puisi
* 20 Pengaruh Imam Al-Ghazali
* 21 Rujukan
* 22 Pautan luar
[sunting] Tok Kenali - Tokoh Besar Ulama Kelantan
Bagi seseorang yang mengkaji sejarah tanah air, lebih-lebih lagi menyelidiki “sejarah kelantan’ maka dia secara langsung atau tidak, akan menemui nama Tuk kenali’. Mengikut perkembangan sejarah, Tuk Kenali adalah merupakan seorang pembangun fikiran umat Islam di dunia sebelah sini menerusi pengajaran kepada murid-murid yang bertebar pada beberapa tempat di Alam Melayu, juga melalui fikiran-fikirannya yang membina menerusi majalah “Pengasuh”, keluaran Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat istiadat Melayu kelantan dan majalah “Al-Hikmah” sebuah majalah pengatahuan yang antara lain yang sedang bersemarak di masa ini.
Sesuatu perkara yang menarik perhatian kita ialah perjuangan dan penghidupan Tok Kenali adalah agak nyata. Beliau banyak menerima pengaruh dari ajaran-ajaran Failasuf islam Al-Iman Ghazali , (1058-1111M) seorang pembangun dan pembina fikiran umat Islam yang banyak membuat pembaharuan dalam acara mengupas soal-soal agama berdasarkan ajaran-ajaran kitab suci Al-Quran dan hadis di samping memperoleh ilmu ladunni di zaman silam. Melihat kepada perjuangannya, kita mendapati cara perjuangannya hampir-hampir sama dengan perjuangan Syaikh Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905M), seorang pembawa pembaharuan pemikiran umat Islam yang meletakkan kitab Al-Quran sebagai asas perjuangannya dan perjuangannya adalah secara melyeluruh menyedar dan membina masyarakat dalam aspek hidup, agama, ilmu pengatahuan, politik, sosial ekonomi dan lain-lain yang secara kebetulan di masa Tuk kenali berada di kota Suci Makkah dan semasa beliau melawat ke Mesir 1322H (1904M) merupakan akhir zaman Syaikh itu.
Untuk selanjutnya marilah sama-sama kita mengikuti garis-garis perjuangan beliau dan cebisan riwayat hidup beliau sebagai berikut:
[sunting] Kelahiran Tok Kenali
Beliau dilahirkan di Kampung Kenali, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan kira-kira pada tahun 1287H (1870M*) dengan nama Muhammad Yusof (pernah disebut sebagai Awang sahaja) iaitu di penghujung pemerintahan Sultan Muhammad II (1837-1886M). Bapanya seorang petani bernama Ahmad, manakala Fatimah, ibunya adalah seorang insan yang sopan dan bercita-cita tinggi dan murni.
[sunting] Latar Belakangnya
Muhammad Yusoff dilahirkan dalam keluarga yang sederhana, dan ini adalah membentukkan sifat peribadinya yang tidak menonjol. Bapanya seorang petani manakala ibunya bagaimana kebiasaan orang-orang di kampungnya adalah bekerja menolong pekerjaan suaminya.
Sebelum melanjutkan pelajaran ke luar negeri, Muhammad Yusof telah mula belajar pada datuknya sendiri Encik Salleh (Tok Leh) iaitu dalam pelajaran membaca kitab suci Al-Quran dan pelajaran tulis-menulis. Sesudah itu dia menyambungkan pelajaran ke masjid Besar Al-Muhammadi, Kota Bharu dan tempat-tempat pengajian lain di sekitar kota Bharu dalam pelajaran Bahasa Arab, nahu, saraf juga pengetahuan agama.
Isterinya ialah Cik Ruqayyah Mahmud. Beliau dikurniakan empat orang anak, iaitu Ahmad, Muhd Shaalih, Mahmud dan Abdullah Zawaawi.
Perlu disebutkan bahawa datuknya adalah seorang yang lebai, warak, mempunyai sedikit sebanyak ilmu-ilmu agama untuk panduan hidup, seorang yang mempunyai kesedaran, mematuhi peraturan-peraturan agama dan gemar berbuat ibadat semata-mata mencari keredaan Allah.
Bapanya meninggal dunia sewaktu umurnya baru meningkat 5 tahun. Beliau dilantik di bawah pengawasaan datuknya menyebabkan pengaruh bapanya kurang terasa dalam corak hidupnya. Di samping itu, nenek perempuan tirinya, Tuk Mek ngah turut memberikan pendidikan yang baik kepadanya termasuk pengawasan terhadap punca-punca makanan yang hendak disajikan. Menurutnya pengaruh-pengaruh makanan-makanan yang haram adalah membawa akibat yang buruk dalam penghidupan di dunia ini, lebih-lebih lagi di akhirat.
[sunting] Kebolehan Luar Biasa
Kecenderungan Tuk Kenali dalam pelajaran adalah nyata sejak kecil lagi. Perasaan ingin maju dan ingin tahu adalah meluap-luap di dadanya. Dalam tempoh yang pendek dia telah dapat mengkhatami pembacaan kitab suci Al-quran dan dapat menulis dengan baik. Kerana itu tidaklah hairan mengapa dia telah dipilih oleh penggawa daerahnya untuk menjadi seorang kerani sebagai pembantunya dalam mengira dan menguruskan hasil-hasil tanaman dan kebun di kawasan tersebut sewaktu dia berusia antara tujuh ke lapan tahun.
Dalam beberapa laporan lain, misalnya laporan dari salah seorang penduduk Kubang Kerian yang menceritakan pada wartawan Majalah Tiga yang ditayangkan pada Sabtu, 13 Jun 2009.Pemuda itu menceritakan bahawa ayahnya telah menceritakan kepadanya tentang kisah kebolehan Tok Kenali.Bapanya mencritakan bahawa pada suatu ketika,di sebuah kampung di Kelantan,terdapatnya beberapa masyarakat Melayu Kelantan lama yang suka menyabung ayam dan menyabung lembu,keadaan pesta menyabung itu sangat bising dan hiruk pikuk lantaran keasyikan masyarakat yang suka pada perbuatan menyabung haiwan,(pada kebiasaannya perbuatan menyabung haiwan dapat menyebabkan masyarakat penyabung terdedah dengan kegiatan judi dan pergaduhan).Oleh demikian,Tok Kenali dan beberapa orang kampung telah terganggu akan kebisingan pesta sehinggakan Tok Kenali pada waktu itu beranggapan dan melafazkan bahawa terdapatnya rumah terbakar dikampung itu.Dengan kuasa Allah, pada petang hari pesta menyabung itu juga,kebanyakan dari rumah-rumah penyabung haiwan itu telah dijilat api keseluruhannya.Maka begitulah kekuasaan Allah SWT terhadap hambanya yang beriman dan ingkar.
[sunting] Menyambung Pelajaran Ke Kota Bahru
Sewaktu berusia antara sembilan ke sepuluh tahun, Muhammad Yusof telah mengambil langkah bagi menyambung pelajarannya ke Kota Bharu. Tempat pertama yang ditujunya ialah ke masjid Al-Muhammadi, di mana terdapat beberapa orang guru agama dan beratus-beratus orang murid dari seluruh ceruk Negeri Kelantan menyembung pelajaran mereka ke sini. Sekitar masjid besar ini, dewasa ini penuh dengan pondok-pondok (asrama) penuntut.
Dalam masa menuntut di sini beliau berguru kepada Tuan Haji Wan Ismail (ayahnda Datuk Perdana Menteri Paduka Raja, Kelantan, Dato' Nik Mahmud) Beliau belajar bersama-sama Encik Idris yang kemudiannya menjadi “Mufti Kerajaan Kelantan”’ Selain iatu beliau berguru kepada Tuan Guru Hj. Ibrahim, penambang (Mufti kerajaan Kelantan) Syaikh Muhammad Ali bin Ab. Rahman (Wan Ali) Kutan dan kepada Tuan Guru Padang (Hj. Ahmad) Kota Bharu.
[sunting] Melanjutkan Pelajaran Ke Tanah Suci Mekah
Sebagai seorang pelajar, Tok Kenali telah menaruh cita-cita yang kuat untuk melanjutkan pelajaran ke Mekah. Pada tahun 1887M (1305H). Menjelang umurnya kira-kira 18 tahun, Tok Kenali menjejak Tanah Suci Mekah untuk meninggikan pelajaran agamanya di samping menunaikan rukun islam yang kelima, ibadat Haji iaitu sesudah enam bulan mengalami kesusahan di Lautan Hindi disebabkan kerosakan kapal yang ditumpanginya.
[sunting] Penghidupan Tok Kenali di Tanah Suci Mekah
Pemergian Tok Kenali ke Tanah Suci Melah adalah semata-mata atas bantuan daripada sahabat dan kenalan beliau di Kota Bharu yang berjumlah kira-kira RM50.00 dan sumbangan daripada ibunya cuma berjumlah RM22.00. Kesukaran yang di hadapi Tok Kenali di rantau orang tidak dapat digambarkan lagi. Hampir tujuh bulan beliau di sana tanpa tempat kediaman yang tetap. Semasa itu beliau menginap di serambi Masjidil Haram, Mekah, dan hanya dapat tidur serta berehat-rehat bila menjelang sesuku malam disebabkan Masjidil Haram merupakan pusat ibadat tawaf, sa’i, sembayang dan sebagainya.
Pakaiannya sederhana, begitu juga tentang pemilihan makanannya untuk menampung kekosongan di waktu pagi dan petang. Memandangkan kedudukan ini, beliau pernah ditugaskan menjadi tukang masak sementara dalam sesuatu perkelahan atau antara kawan-kawannya di wadi-wadi (lembahan) dan di pinggir-pinggir bukit-bukit nan tandus.
[sunting] Perkembangan Pelajaran
Sebelum beliau keluar negeri dahulu, beliau telahpun mempunyai pengetahuan-pengetahuan asas dalam pelajaran-pelajaran yang telah dipelajari ketika itu . Beliau telah pun menguasai pengetahuan bahasa arab (Nahu dan Sarafnya) bagi mengikuti setiap segi jurusan pengetahuan agama di masa itu. Perkara-perkara ini adalah melayakkan Tuk Kenali untuk menerima dan mengikuti pelajaran-pelajarannya yang sedang berkembang dewasa ini di Tanah Suci Makkah.
Tuk Kenali terpaksa belajar mendengar sahaja tanpa kitab. Di samping itu juga beliau terpaksa membaca di kedai-kedai kitab dengan meminta izin tuan-tuan kedai itu untuk membaca dan menatap kitab-kitab jualannya dalam tempoh yang agak lama dengan cara yang cermat sekali. Kitab-kitab Wakaf yang ada dalam simpanan di Masjid Al-Haram juga dipergunakan untuk memahami kuliah-kuliah gurunya . Selain itu, Tuk Kenali terpaksa pula meminjam kitab-kitab gurunya sendiri. Kerana kemiskinanlah agaknya , membawa Tuk Kenali mengharungi lautan ilmu dan kemajuan melebihi kawan-kawannya yang lain.
Jelaslah bahawa Tuk Kenali banyak sekali membaca dan menatap kitab-kitab buah tangan ulamak dan para failasuf islam yang telah dan sedang tersebar di dunia islam dewasa itu. Beliau juga mempunyai sifat suka bertanya dan mengkaji pelajarannya sebelum pelajaran itu di ajar oleh gurunya dengan mengadakan perbandingan-perbandingan sendiri dan pergalaman sendiri. Banyak membaca dan banyak membuat kajian adalah merupakan faktor-faktor besar dalam perkembangan ilmu seseorang pelajar atau siswa.
Antara guru-guru di Masjid yang namanya banyak disebut-sebut oleh Tuk Kenali ialah Tuan Guru Wan Ahmad atau nama penuhnya Wan Ahmad bin Muhammad Zain yang terkenal sebagai seorang pengarang sesudah nama Syaikh Daud Patani. Kepada Guru inilah Tuk Kenali mendapat bimbingan dan bantuan baik dari segi ilmu pengetahuan mahupun penghidupan. Disamping itu, terdapat beberapa orang guru dari patani dan indonesia yang mungkin mendapat perhatian Tuk kenali disamping guru-gurunya yang terdiri daripada orang-orang Arab.
[sunting] Lawatan Tok Kenali ke Mesir
Dalam tahun 1904M, Tok Kenali telah melawat Mesir bersama Tuan Guru Wan Ahmad, Encik Nik Mahmud (yang kemudiannya bergelar Datuk Perdana Menteri Paduka Raja Kelantan) dan Hj. Ismail Patani. Garis-garis kasar lawatan ini adalah menunjukkan bahawa lawatan beliau ke Mesir adalah berbentuk lawatan sambil belajar terutama kerana mengkaji hal-hal perkembangan pelajaran yang berhubung dengan Agama Islam di Universiti Al-Azhar dan lain-lain tempat pengajian di sekitar kota Kahirah.
[sunting] Pulang ke Tanah Air
Pada tahun 1909M (1327 H) iaitu sesudah menjalani pengajian selama 22 tahun di tanah suci mekah, maka Tuk kenali pun pulang ke tanah air iaitu ke Kelantan seterusnya pada tahun 1911M (1329M) beliau mula membuka pondok Kenali, sebuah tempat pengajian yang kemudiannya menjadi pusat pengajian agama di semenanjung ini. Dua tahun kemudian , beliau menjadi guru di masjid Besar Al-Muhammadi, kota Bharu yang waktu itu menjadi pusat pengetahuan agama terbesar di kelantan, malahan juga dikenali di Semenanjung sebagai Serambi Mekkah.
Murid-murid dari seluruh kelantan telah membanjiri pondok-pondok yang terletak berderet-deret di sepanjang jalan di kawasan masjid dan di kawasan Kubang Pasu. Selain itu, bukan sedikit murid-murid dan pelajar-pelajar dari luar negeri datang yang menceduk pengetahuan agama daripada guru-guru yang terkenal . Selain daripada Tuk kenali, mereka belajar pada Tuan Guru Hj. Nik Abdullah, Tuan Guru Hj.Idris (yang kemudiannya berjawatan “Mufti kelantan) dan lain-lain.
Memandang hak-hak kemasyarakatan di kampung sendiri perlu pula dititik beratkan, maka Tuk kenali terpaksa pula menetap di kampungnya sendiri iaitu sesudah lima tahun mengajar di Masjid Besar Al-Muhammadi. Dewasa itu pondok kenali kembali bersemarak sehingga namanya termasyur ke serata ceruk rantau Semenanjung ini, malah sampai ke Indonesia (terutama Sumatera) kemboja, Patani dan lain-lain. Jumlah pelajar-pelajar yang menetap di asrama (Pondok) meningkat 400 orang suatu jumlah yang besar dalam pertumbuhan pengajian Islam dikala itu.
Dalam menjalankan tugasnya, Tuk kenali menetapkan beberapa buah kitab pelajaran (teks) dalam berbagai-bagai jurusan, iautu pengajian Bahasa dan pengetahuan-pengetahuan Agama islam dalam berbagai-bagai peringkat pelajaran. Beliau sendiri banyak mengambil peranan dalam mengembangkan pengetahuan Bahasa Arab, manakala pelajaran-pelajaran lain diperkembangkannya selaras dengan kehendak-kehendak masyarakat dewasa itu. Murid-murid beliau yang telah matang dalam pengajiannya dilantiknya menjadi kepala telaah (guru Kumpulan) disamping itu, kitab-kitab agama dalam tulisan jawi diajarkan juga kepada pelajar-pelajar dan orang-orang kampung. Menerusi pengajian-penjagian kepada orang-orang dewasa inilah lahirnya cerita-cerita tauladan yang kadang-kadang mengggelikan, sebagai suatu cara untuk menarik perhatian murid-murid kepada pelajaran yang sedang ditumpukan. Suatu hal yang agak luar biasa bahawa dalam masa mengajar itu, Tuk kenali mengajar tanpa kitab, di hadapannya tiada kitab-kitab pelajaran sedangkan muridnya mempelajarinya dengan menggunakan kitab. Ililah menunjukkan bahawa Tuk kenali adalah seorang yang mempunyai daya ingatan yang kuat.
Kemasyuhuran Tuk kenali telah menarik ramai pelajar Islam dari serata ceruk semenanjung. Antara mereka ini ada yang telahpun mempunyai kematangan dalam pengetahuan Agama islam datang untuk mengenal wajah dan mengikuti sebahagian pelajaran yang diajar oleh Tuk Kenali. Antara mereka ada yang datang kira-kira seminggu, sebulan, tiga atau empat tahun seterusnya. Ini bergantung kepada keadaan masing-masing, sebab di antara mereka ada yang sudahpun bekerja sebagai guru agama. Qadi atau sebagainya. Untuk meminta Tuk Kenali membaca kitab, cukuplah dengan meminta izin beliau di mana si peminatnya sendiri yang akan disuruh membacanya di hadapan kumpulan pelajar-pelajar. Sesudah itu Tuk kenali memainkan peranan memberi kefahaman dan mensyarahkan isi kitab itu, juga memberi peluang-peluang bertanya.
[sunting] Menghembus Nafas Terakhir
Setelah kira-kira 65 tahun menyedut udara dunia ini, maka Tuk kenali pun dipanggil tuhan, kekasihnya iaitu pada Ahad 19 November 1933M, berikutan suatu penyakit di kakinya.
Majalah “Pengasuh” keluaran 11 disember 1933M. Mencalitkan berita tentang kematian Tuk kenali antara lain berbunyi;
“ kembali ke Darul-Baqa 1352 yang meredupkan alam Kelantan dendan dukacita. Innalillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaji’uun:.
“Hari wafatnya; dilawati oleh tidak kurang daripada 2,500 orang dan disembahyang jenazahnya lebih daripada 1,000 orang dan disembahyang jenazahnya lebih seribu orang yang khalis liwajhillaahi Ta’ala.
Tuk Kenali dikebumikan di perkuburan yang sekarang terkenal dengan nama Kubur Tuk Kenali’ kilometer 5 jalan Pasir Puteh, Kota Bharu, tidak jauh dari istana negeri. Kuburnya selalu dizarahi oleh Duli yang maha Mulia Al-marhum Sultan Ibrahim (nenekanda kepada Duli Yang mulia Sultan Ismail Putera Sekarang) apa lagi oleh ramai terutamnya bekas murid-murid beliau yang ada berselerak di negeri ini, juga oleh pelawat-pelawat.
Dari desa pergi ke kota mencari sahabat nan berbudi kematiannya tanpa mewarisi harta tapi meninggalkan ilmu dana bakti.
[sunting] Jawatan-jawatan Tok Kenali
Tuk kenali ada di antara orang-orang yang memikul tugas dan jawatan terpenting dalam perkembangan pengajian islam dan pertubuhan kebudayaan timur yang berteraskan islam di negeri Kelantan berdasarkan jawatan-jawatan yang pernah disandangnya sebagai berikut:
1. Ahli Majlis Ulama Islam Kelantan (7 Disember 1951- 19 November 1933).
2. Ketua Pelajaran Agama (Pengarah Bahagian Ilmu Agama. Bertanggungjawab memimpin Madrasah Muhammadiyyah dan penerbitan buku teks.
3. Ketua Pengarang pertama majalah Pengasuh (lidah rasmi Majlis Agama Islam Kelantan dikeluarkan setiap Isnin, dijual 10 sen senaskah).
4. Anggota Majlis Agama Islam Kelantan dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan.
5. Pengasas Jamiyyah al-Ashriyyah - kumpulan ilmiah membincangkan isu agama dan semasa.
6. Penterjemah kitab dari Bahasa Arab ke Bahasa Melayu.
7. Guru agama di Masjid Besar al-Muhammadi, Kota Bharu.
8. Penasihat agama kepada Datuk Perdana Kelantan (Menteri Besar).
[sunting] Kegiatan-kegiatan dan Jasa Tok Kenali
Selain daripada mengajar, Tuk Kenali juga bergiat dalam lapangan-lapangan yang berhubung dengan kemajuan agala dana kebudayaan islam. Datu Paduka menteri Paduka Raja (Tuan haji mahmud bin ismail) dengan nasihat beliau telah dapat membentuk Majis Agama Islam dan Adat istiadat melayu kelantan pada 24 Disember 1915M (17 Safar 1334H). Ini adalah satu jasa yang dapat dilihat buktinya sampai sekarang.
Semasa hendak mengeluarkan majalah pengasuh 1918M iaitu warta majlis Agama islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu kelantan. Tuk kenali telah dipilih untuk menjadi ketua pengarang kehormat . pada mulanya majalah ini dikeluarkan berupa lembaran akhbar yang mempunyai bidang besar, diterbitkan setiap hari Isnin, senaskah berharga 10 sen. Penerbitan majalah ini juga adalah daripada saranan dan dorongan-dorongan beliau.
Selain itu beliau telah ditugaskan oleh pihak majlis Agama Islam kelantan untuk menterjemahkan Tafsir Al-Khazin yang bertajuk “Lubaab at-Ta,wiil fil Ma’aani At-Tanzil” ke dalam bahasa melayu. Tugas berat ini telah dijalankan oleh beliau dan sebahagian daripada tafsir Al-khazin telahpun siap diterjemahkan. Sayangnya, naskah ini tidak dapat dikesan sehingga sekarang.
Juga tidak dapat dilupakan bahawa majalah Al-Hikmah (lahir 1 julai 1923M) di mana ketua Pengarang dan penerbitnya yang berbahagia tuan hj. Ahmad bin Ismail (Datuk Lela negara) adalah kerap menerima nasihat-nasihat dan fikiran-fikiran yang berguna daripada Tuk kenali. Majalah pengetahuan ini diterbitkan tiga kali sebulan . pejabat penerbitan ini selalu didatangi oleh Tuk kenali danaa merupakan salah satu tempat beliau membaca surat-surat khabar dan majalah dewasa itu.
Tuk kenali adalah seorang pencinta ilmu pengetahuan. Hal ini ternyata sekali dalam sejarah hidupnya . Beliau juga pernah menyimopan sebuah buku cetera Raja Muda . salah sebuah buku sejarah kelantan yang penting. Buku ini kemudiannya telah diberikan kepada pengaranag buku Hikayat Seri kelantan.
- dalam kegiatan kemasyarakatan pula , beliau telah melancarkan suatu getakan perhimpunan umat islam yang di namakan ‘Jam ,iyyatul Asriyyah] ‘[Perhimpunan semasa] yang kerap membicangkan perkara-perkara hangat dalam masyarakat [Politik] , pebincangan=perbincangan ilmu dan perhimpunan kerana ibadat. Sebagai megekal gerakan tersebut ,maka satu bangunan telah didirikan di tebgah-tengah ibu kota dengan nama yang sama, terletak di Jalan Tengku Petra Semarak , Kota Bharu.
[sunting] Perkembangan Pengaruh
Melihatkan jawatan- jawatan pentig yang telah disandang oleh Tuk Kenali dalam masa hayatnya,juga memandangkepada kegiatan dan jasa -jasa beliau yang cermelang dalam perkambangan pengajian ugama dan kebudayaan islam di Negeri Kelantan khasnya dan Alam Melayu amnya.
Maka sudah sewajanyalah pengaruh beliau segera berkembang ke segenap pelusuk tanah air dalam masa yang singkat sekali. Perkembangan-perkembangan ini adalah agak memuncak di penghujung pemerintahan Sultan Muhammad IV (1900-1920M) dan di awal pemerintahan sultan Ismail (1920-1944M) . kedua-dua baginda sultan ini adalah di antara sultan-sultan yang banyak mencipta kemajuan negeri dalam serba lapangan, lebih-lebih lagi di lapangan kemajuan agama islam. Ini adalah memberi peluang yang besar kepada perkembangan pengaruh Tuk kenali yang sedang berkembang ke seluruh tanah air, apa lagi melihat kedudukan Tuk Kenali yang sedang berkembang ke seluruh tanah air, apa lagi mellihatkan eratnya perhubungan Tuk Kenali dengan anak tuan gurunya dahulu iaitu dengan hj. Nik mahmud bin ismail (Datuk Perdana Menteri Paduka Raja) yang juga memegang peranan terpenting dalam pentadbiran negeri kelantan dewasa itu.
Tidak keterlaluan jika dikatakan bahawa tersebarnya pengatahuan Bahasa Arab dan pengetahuan-pengetahuan agama melalui pondok dan sekolah-sekolah pondok ke seluruh Tanah melayu ini antara lain ialah daripada jasa Tuk kenali yang menyusun kata-kata Tassrif yang kemudiannya diperkanalkan oleh murid-murid nya terutama tuan guru hj. Ali Shalaahuddin Pulau Pisang dan syaikh uthman jalaluluddin, seberang prai dalam buku Tatriful Arf- itu, syaikh Uthman menulis;
“Sesungguhnya hamba pungut akan dia daaripada beberapa mutiasa tasrif yang amat elok bagi guru hamba yang alim lagi yang amat ilmunya lagi yang menghimpunkan bagi beberapa fan ilmu yang bangsa kepada agama iaitu muhammad yusof yang masyhur akan gelarannya di seluruh tanah melayu dengan Tuk kenali di negeri kelantan.
[sunting] Perkembangan Pondok Sekolah Agama dan Sekolah Melayu
Sistem persekolahan yang diutaamakan oleh Tuk kenali dalam masa hayatnya ialah sistem pondok, Sistem pondok yang menggunakan bahan-bahan pelajaran yang berdasarkan kitab dengan mengkelas-kelaskan kitab kepada pengajian peringkat rendah, menengah atas dana tinggi yang dipelajari secara berkelompok (berhalqah) di masjid atau madrasah (balaisah) . Manakala pelajar-pelajar yang tinggal di pondok-pondok (Asrama) di bawah bimbingan Tuk kenali, telah melahirkan beberapa orang tokoh ulamak. Tuan-tuan guru (tok guru_, pendakwah, pengarang yang terkenal yang datang dari beberapa tempat di seluruh tanah Melayu , sumatera, kemboja dan lain-lain.
Guru-guru pondok lepasan kenali inilah kemudiannya tersebar keseluruhan rantau ini di mana mereka menghidupkan pula sistem pondok.
Adalah agak luar biasa, di samping menggalakkan sistem pondok, Tuk kenali sebagai pencinta ilmu, tidaaklah menghalang wujudnya sistem persekolahan.
Tertubuhnya Agama islam dan adat istiadat melayu kelantan padaa tahun 1915M yang sudahpun mempunyai rancangana mendidikan sekolah-sekolah Agama islam di kelantan , adalah juga dengan mendapat nasihat daripada Tuk kenali. Maka pada 5 Ogos 1917M ditubuhkan sebuah Sekolah Agama berbahasa pengantar melayu yang menitik beratkan Bahasa Arab, dengan nama “Al-Madrasah Al-Muhammadiyyah Al-Kilantaniyyah”. Sekolah ini juga mengadakan pelajaran bahasa inggeris di sebelah petangnya.
Jadi, Tuk Kenali sebagai Ketua Pelajaran Agama Islam di Kelantan adalah memainkan peranan dalam pembukaan dan perlaksaan sekolah ini. Sekolah ini lebih dikenal dengan nama “ Sekolah Agama Majlis”.
Kemudian pada tahun 1937 bila lahirnya sekolah aliran bahasa arab di Majlis dengan nama “Majlis Al-Muhammadiyyah Al-Arabiyyah” barulah Sekolah Agama Majlis tadi bertukar nama dengan “Sekolah Melayu Majlis”, manakala sekolah yang baru tadi disebut “Sekolah Arab Majlis”. Akhir sekolah aliran melayu ini diserapkan secara beransur-ansur ke dalam Bahasa Arab sesudah dia dipindahkan ke bangunan Maahad Al-Muhammadi sekarang ( sebagai ekoran daripada sekolah aliran arab tadi )
Keberkatan usaha beliau ini membawa Syaikh Uthman Jalaludin Al-Kilatani membuka sekolah arab Manaabi’ Ai-’Uluum, Bukit mertajam pada tahun 1934 (1353). Demikian juga Tuan Guru Hj. Ali Salaahudin membuka madrasah Al-Falaah di Pulau Pinang di mana kedua-dua madrasah ini lebih berbentuk pondok (sistem pondok).
Di samping itu beliau juga adalah dianggap sebagai pendorong pembukaan sebahagian sekolah-sekolah Melayu di Kelantan ini seperti Sekolah Melayu Kubang Kerian 1920M, Sekolah Melayu Mentuan, dan lain-lain. Beliau tidaklah memusuhi pembukaan sekolah-sekolah seperti ini selagi pelajaran yang diajar tidak menyelaweng daripada ajaran islam yang suci.
[sunting] Tok Kenali Melahirkan Angkatan Pengarang
Di antara murid-murid Tuk kenali terdapat suatu golongan atau angkatan pengarang buku-buku agama yang mempunyai kedudukan yang baik di kalangan masyarakat Islam di dunia sebelah sini. Mereka ialah”
1. Dr. Syaikh Muhammad idris Al-Marbawi, seorang pujangga Islam yang banyak memberio sumbangan dalam perkembangan ajaran-ajaran Isdlam dengan kamusnya “Kamus Al- Marbawi” (Arab-Melayu) dan kitab-kitab karyanya yang banyak di lapangan Agama Islam.
2. Saahib Al-Fadhilah Datuk Hj. Ahmad mahir, Mufti Kerajaan kelantan yang juga seorang pengarang.
3. Syaikh uthman Jalaluddin Al-Kilantani, seorang pengarang buku-buku agama dan seorang guru.
4. Tuan guru Hj. Yaakub bin Ismail. Legor, Selatan Thailand.
5. Saahib Al-Fadhilah, Datuk Hj. Ismail bin Yusoff, Mufti Kerajaan kelantan.
6. Asy-Syaikh Muhammad Salih Tuk kenali, Makkah Al-Mukarramah Saudi Arabia.
7. Yang Berbahagia Hj. Ahmad bin Ismail (Datuk Lela Negara) pengarang majalah Al-Hikmah***(1923M) yang banyak mendidik bakat-bakat penulis dan pengarang-pengarang sebelum perang.
8. Tuan guru Hj. Ali Salahuddin, seorang guru agama terkenal yang juga menjadi seorang pengarang.
9. Tuan Guru Hj. Abdullah Tahir, seorang guru agama terkenal yang juga menjadi seorang pengarang.
10. Tuan Guru Hj. Yaakub bin Hj. Ahmad , lorong Gajah mati, kota Bharu adalah seorang guru agama dan seorang pengarang.
11. Yang berbahagia Datuk Hj. Hassan Yunus Al-Azhari, Bekas Menteri Besar Johor , ahli politikyang juga menjadi seorang pengarang.
Selain murid-murid beliau yang berbakat, terdapat pula cahaya-cahaya mata Tuk kenali yang turut memperkembangkan pengajaran ayahndanya, mereka ialah
1. Al-Marhum Hj. Ahmad Tuk Kenali, guru agama di pondok kenali dan guru yang mengajar pada beberapa buah surau dalam beberapa jajahan, daerah Negeri Kelantan.
2. Hj. Mahmud, wakil Syaikh haji , makkah.
3. Hj. Mohd Salleh Tuk Kenali, guru agama di kota suci Makkah dan seorang pengarang buku-buku dan risalah-risalah agama. Beliau mendirikan persatuan “Darul-Islah” bertempat di Maulid nabi, Suatu persatuan astu perhimpunan kaum Muslimin dari Tanah melayu, patani, kemboja, Indonesia dan lain-lain yang datang ke Tanah Suci makkah terutamanya di musim-musim haji, di mana Tuk kenali diperkenal dan jasanya diperkenangkan. Suatu persatuan lagi didirikan oleh beliau dengan nama “Darul-Quran (Persatuan Al-quran) bertempat di Misfalah, Makkah.
4. Hj. Abdullah Zawawi, lulusan kuliah Syariah, makkah. Berkecimpung di bidang pendidikan dan menjadi pengetua sekolah-sekolah menengah di Kerajaan Arab Saudi dan Nigeria.
[sunting] Peribadi dan Sifat-sifat Utama
Tuk kenali bukan hanya terkenal sebagai salah seorang ulamak besar sahaja, malah terkenal pula sebagai tokoh yang mempunyai sifat-sifat utama yang berguna untuk menjadi teladan kepada masyarakat islam. Antara sifat-sifat utama yang berguna untuk menjadi teladan kepada masyarakatt islam. Antara si fat-sifat tersebut ialah:
a) Sangat menghormati dan memuliai ibu
b) Pemurah, suka menderma terutamanya kepada fakir miskin dan anak-anak.
C) Seorang yang sabar, tidak lekas marah.
D) Suka berjalan kaki sahaja sebagai suatu langkah latihan melenyapkan perasaan sombong, bongkak dan megah.
E) mengamalkan hidup berdikari. Beliau membeli sendiri di pasar.
F) suka membaca dan menatap, baik buku-buku atau majalah-majalah di mana-mana sahaja beliau berada.
G) Suka beriktikaf di masjid, manakala tidur kerap berbantalkan lengan.
H) pakaian beliau amat sederhana.
Sebenarnya Tuk kenali ialah seorang “wali” atau seorang sufi disebabkan berlaku perkara luar biasa pada dirinya dan tidak inginkan kemegahan dan kesenangan hidup yang berlebihan. Tambahan pula memandang makhluk-makhluk lain dengan pandangan yang penuh bertimbang rasa dan kasihan belas.
[sunting] Tok Kenali dan Hal-hal Kemasyarakatan
Sewaktu melancarkan pengajaran-pengajarannya, Tuk kenali didapati agak gemar sekali membincangkan hal-hal politik tanah air. Semasa hayatnya Tuk kenali tidak memisahkan politik daripada bidang pelajaran, malah beliau tidak mengenal pemisahan antara. Agama islam yang difahami dengan politik. Ini adalah merupakan suatu cara menyesuaikan pengajarannya dengan masalah-masalah yang dihadapi masyarakat dengan alam keliling. Kerana itu dalam pengajarannya beliau mengemukakan beberapa anjuran melalui cerita-cerita tauladan yang berkesan antaranya: ikut bapamu, tetapi takutkan Tuhan kuasailah pengetahuan agama dan politik ilmu itu apa yang terguris dalam hati pengetahuan manusia terbatas. Mengaku salah jika bersalah. Sunnah Tuhan sudahlah wajar biar mati adat, jangan mati syarak. Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung. Bertanya pada yang tahu. Penjahat itu mencukupi dengan kejahatannya. Doa adalah senjata orang mukmin. (Cerpen-cerpen Tuk Kenali” oleh AQHAS - halaman 76), Terbitan baru dengan tajuk cerpen-cerpen warisan Tuk Kenali).
[sunting] Tok Kenali dan Puisi
Dalam masa menyampaikan pengajarannya, disamapaing mengutarakan ayat-ayat suci Al-Quran dan hadis-hadis nabi Muhammad S.A.W , maka terhamburlah dari mulut beliau beberapa rangkap syair dan kata-kata hikmat bak mutiara gugur dari untainya.
Di sini dibentangkan sebuah syair yang pernah dikeluarkan oleh Tuk Kenali iaitu:
Bahaya Merokok:
Perokok itu terhina, dungu, membazir dan keji, kerendahan bagi penagihnya, pasti, Darinya menguap kentut yang busuk dan diluati. Kepulan asap dari bibirnya mengasapi muka dana peribadi.
Antara kata-kata hikmatnya:
“orang yang mulia itu ialah orang yang memuliakan ibu” “mengkaji sendiri adalah punca kemajuan dalam pembelajaran”,
[sunting] Pengaruh Imam Al-Ghazali
Melihatkan peribadi dana sikap hidupnya, nyatakan bahawa Tuk kenali adalah terpengaruh oleh ajaran-ajaran Failasuf islam Iman Ghazali, seorang alhi Tasauf yang sampai kepada darjat “hakikat” mengenal diri dan Tuhannya, ingin mencapai kebahagiaan dan kesucian yang setinggi-tingginya dalam penghidupan yang singkat ini, kemewahan hidup yang terhad dan sifat tidak membesar diri adalah nyata sekali dalam penghidupannya.
Unsur-unsur ini adalah terkandung dalam adoa yang dikumpul dan digubah oleh Iman Al-Ghazali dalam kitabnya “Ayyuhai Walad” (Wahai Anak) yang menjadi amalan Tuk Kenali dan murid-murid beliau sehingga sesudah itu dikenal pula dengan “Doa Tuk Kenali” (Doa mengiringi sembahyang Lima Waktu) yang antara lain bererti:
wahai tuhan, sesungguhnya saya pohon pada Engkau pemberiannya sempurna , kesihatan yang berkekalan, rahmat yang menyeluruh dan kesegaran yang berguna. Saya pohonkan daripada Engkau puncak kesenangan hidup, puncak kebahagiaan umur, kesempurnaan kebaikan, juga keluasan pemberian dan kesopanan yang lebih berfaedah.”
Tuhanku, Tolonglah kami dan jangan pula kami ditindas. Tuhanku, Bahagiakanlah kesudahan hidup kami, buktikanlah hasrat kami dengan penambahan amalan. Susilah kesegaran dikala berpagi-pagi dan berpetang-petang.
Wahai Tuhanku, tumpahkanlah rahmat engkau di tempat kembali kami dan kesudahan kami dan tuangkanlah dulang kemaafan ke atas dosa-dosa kami dan kurniakanlah pembaikan kepada keaifan-keaifan kami dan berikanlah kegiatan kami pada agama engkau. Kepada Engkau kami berserah dan kepada engkau kami menggantung harapan”.
Meninjau kepada beberapa segi yang telah dikemukakan di atas, tidaklah keterlaluan jika dikatakan bahawa Tuk kenali adalah salah seorang tokoh ulama terkenal dan pembangun fikiran Umat Islam di dunia sebelah juga tidaklah salah jika dikatakan bahawa selagi terbitnya majalah pengasuh ke alam persuratan melayu, maka selama itulah Tuk Kenali dikenangan, seterusnya tidaklah merupakan suatu penonjolan jika dikatakan bahawa selagi wujudnya majlis Agama islam dan Adat istiadat melayu kelantan” maka selama itulah ?Tuk Kenali masih disebut dan dikenali.
[sunting] Rujukan
[sunting] Pautan luar
* Tokoh Kelantan di Laman Pendidikan Kelantan
* http://www.geocities.com/traditionalislam/TokKenali.htm
* http://ulama.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_ulama_archive.html
* http://www.bharian.com.my/m/BHarian/Sunday/Perspektif/20070318082401/Article/
* http://www.townplan.gov.my/al%20ansar/AL_ANSAR2.pdf
TOK KENALI (MUHAMMAD YUSOF)(1870 –1933)*
This essay proposes to examine the life and contributions of To’ Kenali of Kelantan, whose life coincided with the period when Kelantan was under the Siamese rule and then under the British sephere of influence, after the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. His studies in Islamic traditional education which started in his hometown and then pursued further at Mecca at the Sacred City, with a brief visit to Cairo, making him a revered intellectualand spiritual figure of the country, with such desire for positive changes among his people, led him to pursue an intensive life of Islamic educational and social reforms, with a number of institutions bearing the stamp of either his direct or indirect influence. Inspite of his intellectual attitude directed towards reform, he is intellectually a man of the traditional intellectual Sunni school, much influenced by Imam al-Ghazali, Shafi’i and Al-Ash’ari, affecting reform by a very cautious attitude, without making an intellectual break with the classical intellectual construct of mainstream Islam. Hence, his ability to gain the respect and following among the traditional scholars apart from him being accepted by those among the administrative elite in the state. The writer has to rely on the writers who had already made a study on him, apart from his perusal of some original sources; the interpretations are his own, guided by the facts observed.
His Life:
To’ Kenali (1), that is Muhammad Yusof (frequently referred simply as “Awang”)-may Allah has mercy on him - was born in kampong (village of) Kenali, Kubang Krian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, the state in the East of Peninsular Malaysia, in 1870. This coincides with the period towards the end of the reign of Sultan Muhammad II of Kelantan. His father Ahmad was a farmer, a simple villager, nevertheless was a man devoted Islamic values. His mother, Fatimah, was a lady with fine character and strong believer of the values and practice of the faith. In the first number of the Islamic magazine Pengasuh (2) of which he was the first editor, he was named as “al-fadil Tuan Haji Awang Kenali”, and Sultan Muhammad IV named him as “Haji Awang Muhammad Yusof Kenali” in his royal address appointing him as one of the members of the Kelantan Islamic Religious Council. He was born about three years after the building of the Muhammadi Mosque of Kota Bharu, which later was to become a very significant center of Islamic learning, making it famous in South-east Asia. (3)
He was born into a poor farmer’s family making a living by planting paddy, with the mother helping in maintaining the household. This family situation living with little means influenced the future Islamic scholar to be man of asceticism and independent ways. When he was five years old his father passed away and he was taken care of by his maternal grandfather.
His educational Background:
At that time there was a strong awareness among the people to educate their children in the field of Qur’anic learning and the Islamic religious sciences. Hence Muhammad Yusof began his education with his own grandfather Che Salled or To’ Leh, who taught him the Qur’an, reading and writing. His grandfather was a man of sufficient learning and piety to be his guide, living with the philosophy of life seeking for the pleasure of his Lord in whatever he does. From his step-grandmother he was influenced by her views about the necessity of being careful concerning food and drink because taking forbidden meals and drink will impair one’s well being in this world and the hereafter.
Due to his love of learning since the earliest years of his life, soon he became proficient in the Qur’anic learning and in reading and writing. The story is being told that even at the early age of seven or eight the To’ Kweng –the title for the village chief at that time - engaged him as a clerk to help him to keep record of the yields from paddy, coconut and durian at that time from which taxes were taken. After the death of this To’ Kweng Ahmad, his son Ismail succeeded him in that post. This occurred some time after 1908 after To’ Kenali’s return from Mecca. (4)
When he was about eight or nine years old (1878-1879) he continued with his education in Kota Bharu, walking twice daily for four miles each way, for attending his classes in the capital, in the state mosque, Masjid Muhammadi. There were a number of religious scholars teaching at the mosque with several hundred students from every corner of the state. The mosque was surrounded by small huts of the students – called pondoks, which constituted the ‘hostels’ for them during their period of studying there. (5)
Among the famous scholars with whom To’ Kenali learned Islamic religious sciences then were: Encik Ismail or Haji Wan Ismail, the father of Dato’ Nik Mahmud, the Perdana Menteri or the Chief-Minister of Kelantan, Tuan Guru Shaikh Muhammad ‘Ali bin ‘Abd al-Rahman, known by the name of Wan ‘Ali Kutan, Tuan Guru Haji Talib Tuan Padang, and Tuan Guru Haji Ibrahim Sungai Budor. (6)
Apart from teaching at the central mosque of the state the scholars also taught in their own homes; for instance Haji Wan Isma’il, To’ Kenali’s first teacher after his grandfather, taught at kampong Banggul, not far from the central mosque; one of Haji Muhammad Yusuf’s fellow students studying under Haji Wan ismail was Idris bin Haji Hassan who in 1921 was appointed as the state mufti holding the post until his demise six years later.
It appears also that Muhammad Yusof studied in the early 1880s under one Haji Ibrahim at his pondok at Sungai Budor, in Kota Bharu. He also studied with Tuan Padang - that is Tuan Guru Haji Taib, originally from Sumatera, Indonesia. (7)
His Life and Education in Mecca:
Mecca is not only the center for the pilgrimage, the rite constituting the fifth pillar of the religion, but it also is a center for Islamic education. Thus for centuries Mecca became a center for advanced studies for these scholars wherein they spent their life in advancing their knowledge and understanding of Islam and at the same time they composed their writings in the Malay Language (called “Bahasa Jawi”) for enriching Islamic literature in that language. There they gained profiency in Arabic and the Islamic religious sciences of tafsir, traditions of the Prophet, fiqh or the Islamic Sacred Law, usul al-din or Islamic Theology and mysticism. Among these scholars can be mentioned such illustrious names like Shaikh ‘Abd al-Rauf al-Fansuri, Shaikh ‘Abd al-Samad al-Falimbani, Shaikh Daud al-Fatani, Shaikh Muhammad Arshad al-Banjari, Shaikh Nawawi Bantani (known for writing his works in Arabic), Shaikh Ahmad Khatib, Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani, and many others. (8)
Teaching in the Sacred Mosque or Masjid al-Haram was done in small groups in circles – in halaqah – as was the practice for centuries; apart from this mosque there was the center of learning at Medina, at the Mosque of the Prophet, -peace and blessings be upon him, and then of course, there was the famous University of Al-Azhar, centered around the Mosque at Al-Azhar. Scholars from the Malay World flocked to these centers, to deepen their studies in the Islamic sciences and Arabic. After their return to the Malay World, they devoted themselves to the dissemination of Islam and its practices.
To’ Kenali must have felt such a great longing to advance in his studies at the sacred city of Mecca. Hence he undertook his voyage to Mecca in 1886, at the young age of about eighteen, and after a difficult journey of six months by sailing ship he set foot on the sacred soil of the Holy City of Mecca to perform the pilgrimage and further his studies.
Since he was from a poor family, he could only make the journey with the financial assistance of his friends and well-wishers in Kota Bharu who collected for him $50.00 (fifty Dollars then) to which his mother added another sum of $22.00 (twenty Dollars); for seven months he was without proper lodging there, and he was able to rest in the evening and at night at the mosque. He was in very difficult circumstances in the land of strangers, and he managed to solve some of his difficulties by cooking for his friends and acquaintances in their picnics in the valleys outside the Holy City. (9)
While he was in Kelantan Muhammad Yusof has already mastered such subjects as Arabic grammar and syntax (nahw and saraf) so that he would be able to follow his classical Islamic learning in the Arabic language. He was ready to follow the instructions in his studies in the Holy City. However, unfortunately because he was in difficult circumstances, he could only follow his lessons by listening, without being able to benefit from reading the texts. As a result, so the story goes, he has to go to the bookshops and ask the permission of the owners to see the relevant books with particular care and attention without buying them. Books in the waqf endowment in the sacred Mosque were also utilized by To’ Kenali to help him in his studies. He was also fortunate because he was able to borrow the texts from his teachers. Possibly because of his patience with his difficult circumstances and poverty he was able to advance very well in his studies due to his diligence and focus.
To’ Kenali’s intellectual horizon seems not to be confined to limited subjects of his studies alone. It appears that he frequently read and scrutinized manuscripts written by Muslim scholars and thinkers which were in circulation in the Muslim World at that time. He liked to examine the materials taught to him and ask questions about them, before being repeated by his teachers, in this manner he made more impressions of the materials of his learning on his mind and heart, and in this way also he was able to make comparisons between the materials learnt with his own experience and understanding. Possibly wide reading and positive critical attitude in his studies made him advance very well in his studies.
Teachers in the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram);
Among his teachers frequently mentioned, in the Masjid al-Haram were – among the most outstanding: Tuan Guru Wan Ahmad, his full name being: Ahmad bin Muhammad Zain bin Mustafa al-Fatani. (10) Apart from being a very famous and respectable teacher Shaikh Ahmad – may Allah has mercy on him – is also an important writer, second only to Shaikh Daud al-Fatani. (11). To’ Kenali became a very close student of this mentor who influenced him in his studies and life too. This towering figure in the Malay World who is to be the determining influence on To’ Kenali’s life, as will be seen from his activities later on, deserves more serious attention from researchers on Muslim Thought in this region. The fame of Shaikh Ahmad is still remembered in the Malay World, in Malaysia, Indonesia (especially Sumatera), and Cambodia, and Brunei. It is stated that Shaikh Ahmad changed the name of “Petani” with “p” –“t”-“n” to “f” (fa’) – ta’ (the ‘big’ ta in Arabic)-“nun” –) giving the name from “f-t-n” meaning “to be clever skilful and wise”(12). This is to avoid the meaning of “fitnah” from the old manner of writing it as if it is from “f-t-n” giving the name of “trials” and “dissentions”.
It is known that several other teachers from Patani and Indonesia attracted the attention of To’ Kenali; apart from that there were a number of Arab teachers who attracted his attention.
Among the Arab teachers whose knowledge were benefited by To’ Kenali were: Shaikh Hasbullah from Egypt, Shaikh ‘Ubaid, the mufti of the Maliki school of law, Shaikh Muhammad Amin, the imam of the Hanafi school of law, Shaikh Sayyid Bakri, Shaikh Muhammad Yusuf al-Khayat, Shaikh Sayyid ‘Abdullah bin as-Sayyid Muhammad Salih al-Zawawi, the mufti of Mecca and a teacher in the Sacred Mosque. (13)
Visit to Egypt:
After a period of about twenty years studying various branches of Islamic sciences and others, under the intimate guidance of that teacher Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani, To’ Kenali was brought by Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani to pay a visit to Egypt; this was in 1903; there were four members of the party: Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani, To’ Kenali, Haji Nik Mahmud bin Haji Wan Ismail (the son of his old teacher in Kota Bharu, later to become the Chief-Minister in the Kelantan government), and one Haji Wan Ismail of Patani.The only brief record available concerning this short visit shows that it is of general interest about sight seeing and at the same time having importance from the point of view of learning and the development of education in Al-Azhar and other institutions of like nature in Egypt. After a short time of meeting with men of learning in Cairo, discussing matters about religion and Islamic education with them, the delegation returned to Mecca. The visit took place in the final decade of the life of Shaikh Muhammad ‘Abduh the reformer of Egypt, the student of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, the pan-Islamist.
In connection with this visit it can be understood that apart from visiting the ulama of al-Azhar in Cairo, the delegation also met Shaikh Yusuf al-Nabhani in Beirut; this is mentioned by Haji Wan Mohd Shaghir a few times. May be this is influential in the formation of the intellectual attitude of To’ Kenali later in having the respect for traditional Sunni intellectual legacy on one hand and favouring reforms in the Muslim society and their religious education on the other.
Death of Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani and Return to Kelantan:
After a period of about four years, Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani –Allah has mercy on him- passed away in Mecca on 11th Dhul-Hijjah, 1325(14th January 1908), and was buried in the famous cemetery of Ma’la, Mecca. Hence due to the loss of that guide, To’ Kenali for the first time felt a great void in his life; hence about two years after his teacher’s death he returned to Kelantan, while he was forty years old.
At that time Kelantan was under the rule of Sultan Muhammad IV who was entitled the Sultan of Kelantan or Raja Kelantan; there were consultations held between the leaders of the Kelantan Government and the representatives of the Siamese Government on the one hand and the representatives of the British on the other. The aim was to reach an agreement to place Kelantan under the British rule. In the following year (1909) Kelantan was under the rule of the British. The transfer of Kelantan from the Siamese to the British rule is stated in the treaty and then the treaty is followed by a letter from the High Commissioner, Sir John Anderson informing Raja Senik (of Kelantan) that:
His Majesty the King of Siam has agreed to transfer all rights over Kelantan, and The King of England will pay to the king of Siam the amount of debt due by my friend the Sultan of Kelantan and the King of England will in future appoint an advisor to assist my friend instead of the advisor appointed by the King of Siam and the King of Siam will no longer have anything to do with the affairs of my friend’s state, and my friend will have to look only to the King of England (14).
Hence the return of To’ Kenali from Mecca can be considered as a point marking a new period of Kelantan being under the British; hence his return is awaited for fulfilling his future role in bringing progress to the society with his knowledge and potentialities.
His Educational and Religious Activities in Kelantan:
Without wasting his time, To’ Kenali established the famous Pondok Kenali; he was lucky because at that time Kelantan was under the leadership of the Chief Minister-Datok Besar-Datok Perdana Haji Nik Mahmud bin Ismail, his companion during their student days under that guide Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani. In fact their friendship started already when they studied in their childhood days under Ence Ismail, the father of Nik Mahmud; and in Mecca they were together under the guidance of Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani. Dato’ Yusof Zaky Yacob states in his observation about To’ Kenali:
“If To’ Kenali inherited (the intellectual legacy) concerning knowledge of Arabic grammar (and syntax) and the advanced level of Islamic religious sciences (usul-al-din, al-fiqh, al-tasawwuf, knowledge about the Qur’an and Sunnah as clear from the texts of Shaikh Ahmad) from Shaikh Ahmad, then Dato’ Haji Nik Mahmud (the Chief Minister) inherited (from him) advanced knowledge and views about societal and political (issues) from that great and multi-faceted skilled teacher” (15).
The return of To’ Kenali once again made possible the renewal of the close friendship and co-operation of the two luminaries of the state, so that they could work for the progress of the society and the dissemination of the knowledge of the faith at an advanced level.
As stated above at first To’ Kenali returned to teach at the Pondok Kenali at his village. In fact he began to deliver his lessons at his own house at Kampong Paya, which was then occupied by his mother, Hajjah Fatimah. Before long students began to come to him from the surrounding villages and also from further off places; they came and set up their own small pondoks around him in the village so that they could study under him and be with him. By 1910 the first Pondok Kenali was flourishing extremely well under his able leadership, and from there his fame began to spread far and wide.
Later he began to teach once a week at the Muhammadi Mosque in Kota Bharu.In 1915 he was persuaded by Dato’ Nik Mahmud (by this time he was the Dato’ Betara Setia and assistant to the Chief Minister of the state) to move his household to the state capital; and so for the next five years he taught at the state mosque and at the Pondok Kubang Pasu, also in the capital.
At that time the Muhammadi Mosque was not only the center of learning for Kelantan alone, rather it was a center of learning for the region as a whole. It was frequented by many able teachers like Nik Abdullah and Haji Idris bin Haji Hassan. (16) After five years teaching in Kota Bharu in which period he made notable contributions in the religious life of the state as a founder member of the State Religious Council and editor of the fortnightly magazine Pengasuh (The Educator), To’ Kenali again returned to his village, his birthplace, Kampong Kenali.His fame as a revered teacher grew and never leave him; at its highest point, the community in the pondok grew up to a number of no less than three hundred students from all over the Penunsula, Indonesia, (especially Sumatera), Patani and Cambodia.
In carrying out his task as an educator and teacher, To’ Kenali it reported to have prepared graduated text-books in a number of subjects related to Arabic Language and the study of Islamic religious subjects. In the teaching of Arabic he has played considerable role in developing its teaching, and in other subjects he has made his contributions befitting the society which was his milieu. The more outstanding ones among his students were made “group teachers” (“kepala metalaah”)-leading the other students in preparing for their lessons and reading their prescribed texts; apart from such lessons To’ Kenali was also involved in giving lessons in religious subjects to children and adults based on certain religious texts.
Apart from giving his lessons on Arabic texts, To’ Kenali also read Malay texts in Jawi. Among the texts read by him are: Faridatul-Fara’id written by his mentor, Shaikh Ahmad al-Fatani, on Ash’arite theology, the text ‘Aqidatul-Najin written by Shaikh Zain al-‘Abidin al-Fatani, also on Ash’arite theology, Munyatul-Musalli of Shaikh Daud al-Fatani on fiqh concerning prayer, Furu’ al-Masa’il of Shaikh Daud al-Fatani on fiqh concerning advanced fatwas based on Shaikh ibn Hajar and Shaikh Ramli’s views, Bughyatu’t-Tullab of Shaikh Daud, a very detailed fiqh text on Shafi’I school concerning spiritual devotions, Kashf al-Litham a very detailed fiqh work in the Shafi’I school, Hidayatu’s-Salikin of Shaikh ‘Abd al-Samad al-Falimbani, a Sufi text, Sayr al-Salikin of the same author, based on the Bidayatul-Hidayah and Ihya’ ‘Ulumid-Din of al-Ghazali. He also read the Hikam of Ibn ‘Ata’illah (in its Malay version, said to have been authored by To’ Pulau Manis of Trengganu) for advanced level students. (17)
In relation to general religious education to adults, apart from reading texts, he provided moral tales, often humorous ones, to the kampong people so as to draw certain points he was trying to drive home to them. One of the characteristics of his way of instructions was that he did not use text- books. Though students might have texts in front of them, he never did. Besides indicating his amazing memory, this reflected the severe training he had undergone in Mecca during his difficult years in poverty in the Sacred City of Mecca. (18)
His Offices and Services in the State and the Community:
To’ Kenali-Allah has mercy on him- was in the front line of those who undertook the task of furthering the cause of Islamic religious education and the growth of cultural activities in the state.
As a teacher and educator, he taught at the mosque of the capital, the Mashed Muhammadi from about 1910, and more intensively from 1915, and then acted as a kind of head of Islamic education in the state and as assistant to the mufti; it was with his advice that Dato’ Bentara Setia (Haji Nik Mahmud Ismail) proposed the idea of the formation of the Majlis Ugama Islam dan Adat istiadat Melayu Kelantan (Kelantan Council of Islamic Religion and Malay Customs) which really came into being. (To’ Kenali was appointed as one of the twelve foundation members) in December 1915, and it is still active until to-day. Then in January 1918 the majlis convened the Meshuarat ‘Ulama (or the Meeting of the ‘Ulama) as a permanent body; To’ Kenali was one of the first members. Then in July 1981 when the majlis published the fortnightly magazine Pengasoh (The Educator), To’ Kenali was appointed as “principal honourary editor” (“Ketua Pengarang Kehormat”)(19) Later, with the help of the Meshuarat ‘Ulama, the column on “Question and Answer” was launched, dealing with religious issues of that time.
Further, of a more serious and intellectually daunting enterprise, To’ Kenali was entrusted with the duty of carrying out the Malay translation of Tafsir al-Khazin and Tafsir ibn Kathir (20) This exacting intellectual task resulted in the completion of part of the first of these two classical works of Sunni exegesis, however, unfortunately, the manuscript has not been published until to-day. (21).
Then there was at that time the monthly magazine Al-Hedayah which was first published in July 1923, whose chief editor was Ahmad bin Ismail; this literary magazine benefited from his advice and views which was often sought after by the chief editor. He was frequently seen at the chief editor’s office reading newspapers and periodicals of the day. He was a man dedicated to learning as can be clearly observed from the characteristics of his life; and it is interesting to note that in his collection of books can be found the manuscript of Chetera Raja Muda, an important source for the history of Kelantan, later on it was given by him to the writer of the famous work Hikayat Seri Kelantan (22)
In relation to social change and development, he established the Islamic society by the name of al-Jam’iyyah al-‘Asriyyah (The Contemporary Association) which served as a forum in which discussions were often held concerning controversial social and intellectual issues of the day, apart from being a center for the congregational prayer. For furthering its activities and goals the premises for the organization was established at the Jalan Tengku Putera Semerak in the center of Kota Bharu. Now the building is no more there, as a newly erected building is erected there, with the Jam’iyyah occupying one part of the whole complex at the same road in the town. Now it is a musalla for holding congregational prayer and a place for imparting Islamic knowledge from traditional Islamic texts after the evening prayer, apart from being a community center for holding sacred functions like the commemoration of the Prophet’s birthday and the ascension of the Prophet to the heavenly realms (al-isra’ wa al-mi’raj). (23).
His Influence in Islamic Education:
It can be observed that the influence and fame of To’ Kenali was spread widely and speedily throughout the Peninsula and the surrounding areas. Possibly this can be attributed to the many important positions and posts held by him in the state and the dedication and sincerity shown by him in his efforts at promoting Islamic education and learning and the growth of culture in the state in particular and in Malaya in general.
The highest point of his influence and fame manifested itself towards the end of the reign of Sultan Muhammad IV (1900-20) and in the early stage of the reign of Sultan Ismail (1920-44); both rulers of Kelantan were responsible for a lot of development for the state, especially in matters pertaining to the religious sphere. It can be stated that this created a very conducive atmosphere for the spread of To’ Kenali’s influence, facilitating him in his educational efforts and religious activities. This can be easily understood when we remember that both rulers respected To’ Kenali very much due to his learning and extremely pious character. Apart from that To’ Kenali was fortunate because he had a very intimate relationship and close co-operation with Dato’ Haji Nik Mahmud b. Haji Wan Ismail, who as Dato’ Setia and then as Dato’ Perdana Paduka Raja (the Chief minister) exercised much power in the state, and therefore this again facilitated him in his struggle and efforts therein.
In relation to the improvement of Arabic and Islamic education in the traditional pondok system and similar schools throughout the Peninsula, it can be said that this was partly due to the efforts of To’ Kenali. He devised a system of graduated instruction in Arabic grammar and syntax, which helped his students enormously in mastering the language. There is a famous ‘alim in Kelantan by the name of Haji ‘Ali Salahuddin bin Awang (24) who published these lessons of To’ Kenali in 1945 in a work entitled ad-Durus al-Kenaliyyah al-Ibtida’iyyah (To’ Kenali’s Elementary Lessons (in Arabic)). There was another student of To’ Kenali by the name of Shaikh ‘Othman Jalaluddin al-Kelantani (25) who had earlier published a similar collection (2nd edition 1358/1939/40) under the title Tasrif al-‘Arf (a table of Arabic verb declensions); both works were circulated widely throughout the Peninsula
In his Tasrif al-’Arf Shaikh ‘Othman states (26):
Truly I have borrowed many morphological ideas of great value from my profound and learned teacher, one who has accumulated much valuable knowledge in the service of religion –that is Muhammad Yusof, better known throughout Malaya by his Kelantan title ‘To’ Kenali’
In his article concerning the contribution of To’ Kenali in Arabic studies, Abdul Hayie bin Abd Shukor mentions a number of useful in formations. (27) Among them are when To’ Kenali returned to Malaya in 1908 he was always with two texts on Arabic grammar, namely Hashiyah ‘ala Sharah al-Ashmuni ‘ala-l-Alfiyah, written by Muhammad bin ‘Ali al-Sabban (d.1792) and Mughni’l-Labib ‘an Kitab al-A’arib written by Jamal al-Din ibn Hisham (d.761) both of which were so liked by him.
Further he mentions the love of To’ Kenali for Arabic literature and poetry of high literary merits. And he liked to quote them in his lessons and at certain suitable occasions. Apart from this he also mentions that those who attended the study circles of To’ Kenali (halaqat) were encouraged to memorize the text Al-Ajrumiyah and Alfiyah of ibn Malik which contains a thousand lines concerning rules on Arabic grammar.