Arabic terms in Acehnese religious poetry refers to the extensive borrowing of Arabic vocabulary into the Malay language of Aceh for the purpose of expressing Islamic theological concepts. The 16th‑century Malay translation of the Burda contains numerous examples, such as achirat (afterlife), rasulullah (messenger of God), badr (the battle of Badr), ‘Ad (people of ‘Ad), and Iram (mythical city).
Function in Poetry
These loanwords serve to convey precise religious meanings that lack direct equivalents in Malay, thereby enriching the poetic diction and aligning local devotional literature with the broader Islamic intellectual tradition.
Examples from the Manuscript
- “Achirat (the other world) …” – emphasizing eschatological hope.
- “Rasulullah …” – invoking the Prophet’s intercession.
- “Badr …” – recalling divine victory.
Significance for Acehnese Culture
The prevalence of Arabic terms demonstrates the depth of Islamic education among Acehnese scholars and the role of poetry in transmitting religious knowledge.
See Also
- Kasidat al‑Burda (Malay translation)
- Al‑Burda (Arabic poem)
- Achirat
- Rasulullah
- Muhammad (Prophet of Islam)
Source
DLP‑54 – Een 16de‑eeuwse Maleise vertaling van de Burda van al‑Busiri, digitised manuscript, pages 73‑79, 20260707_232246_DLP-54-Een_16de_eeuwse_Maleise_vertaling_van_de_Burda_van_al_Bu_s_i_ri_OCR.txt.