[MS] Manifestasi Maqamat Sufi dalam Antologi Puisi ‘Ayn, Karya Ahmad Kamal Abdullah (Kemala)

Manifestation of Sufi Maqamat in the Poetry Anthology 'Ayn by Ahmad Kamal Abdullah (Kemala)

Abstract

The development of modern poetry in Malaysia has witnessed the emergence of a Sufi movement manifested by poets to convey Sufi thought to readers. However, it was found that studies analyzing the works of Malaysian poets using a clear framework or theory of Tasawuf are still limited. In the context of Sufi scholarship, Imam al-Ghazali outlined six maqamat derived from seven ‘aqabat, which can be used as a framework for evaluating and categorizing Sufi poetry. This study aims to analyze the application of Imam al-Ghazali's Sufi maqamat framework in understanding modern Malay Sufi poetry, specifically through the anthology ‘Ayn by Kemala. Although modern Sufi poetry is rich in spiritual symbolism, it is rarely explicitly categorized according to the stages of Sufi spirituality. Therefore, al-Ghazali’s maqamat framework—comprising six key stages: ma’rifah, taubat, zuhud, syukur, mahabbah, and fana’—functions as an authentic and systematic analytical tool to uncover the hidden spiritual dimensions within selected texts. Employing a qualitative approach with content analysis, this study identifies key symbols such as wind, garden, child, face, chest, beloved, drunk and figures, then interprets them through the lens of three maqamat categories: experience (self-awareness), evaluation (moral purification), and attainment (union with the Divine). Findings confirm that Kemala’s poems consistently reflect the spiritual journey of a salik (spiritual seeker) aligned with al-Ghazali’s framework. More importantly, this framework serves not merely for classification but as a universal guide enabling both academic and general readers to comprehend Sufi poetry from a profound and meaningful spiritual perspective. The study also affirms the enduring relevance of classical Sufi tradition within contemporary literature, demonstrating that modern Sufi poetry transcends aesthetic expression to serve as an effective medium of spiritual education, guiding the soul toward purification and recognition of the Almighty.