Walisongo - the Java Story

"Walisongo" means the nine guardians. They are Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Sunan Ampel, Sunan Giri, Sunan Bonang, Sunan Dradjad, Sunan Kalijaga, Sunan Kudus, Sunan Muria, and Sunan Gunung Jati. They do not live at the exact same time. Yet another one has a close connection, if not in blood ties are also in the teacher-student relationship.

Maulana Malik Ibrahim was the oldest. Sunan Ampel was the son of Maulana Malik Ibrahim. Giri is the nephew of Maulana Malik Ibrahim who is also a cousin of Sunan Ampel. Sunan Bonang and Sunan Drajad Sunan Ampel was the child. Sunan Kalijaga is a friend and student of Sunan Bonang. Sunan Muria Sunan Kalijaga children. Sunan Kudus Sunan Kalijaga students. Sunan Gunung Jati is a friend of the other Sunan, except Maulana Malik Ibrahim who died first.

They lived on the north coast of Java from the early 15th century until the mid 16th century, in three important areas. Namely Surabaya, Gresik, Lamongan in East Java, Demak-Kudus-Muria in Central Java and Cirebon in West Java. They are the intellectuals who became a reformer in his day society. They introduce new forms of civilization: from health, farming, commerce, culture and the arts, community to the government.

Pesantren Ampel denta and Giri are the two most important educational institutions in that period. From Giri, Islamic civilization developed throughout the eastern archipelago. Sunan Giri Sunan Gunung Jati and not only scholars, but also government leaders. Sunan Giri, Bonang, Kalijaga, and Spirit is creator of art whose influence is still felt today. While Sunan Muria is a true companion of the commoners.

Walisongo era is the era of the end of Hindu-Buddhist dominance in the archipelago to be replaced culture with Islamic culture. They are the symbol of the spread of Islam in Indonesia. Especially in Java. Of course many other people who also play a role. But their role is very much in establishing the Islamic kingdom in Java, as well as its impact on society at large cultural and propaganda directly, making "nine saints" referred to this more than others.

Each character has a unique role in the spread of Islam. Starting from Maulana Malik Ibrahim who put themselves as "healers" for the Hindu kingdom of Majapahit; Giri called the colonialists as the "pope of the East" until the Sunan Kalijaga who create works of art by using shades that can be understood that the nuance of Javanese-Hindu and Buddhist.

Relevan LInk : www.pesantren.net