Water Symbolism in Syair Perahu by Hamzah Fansuri: A Reflection of Maritime Life and Islamic Values in the History of Malay Society

Abstract

Syair Perahu is a classic Malay work that uses the symbolism of water as a primary metaphor in describing the journey of human life. Water in this poem serves as a source of life and supply, and even as a threat in the form of waves and storms that symbolise life's challenges. In a historical context, this poem reflects the close relationship between traditional Malay society and the maritime world, where the sea is not only a source of livelihood but also a meaningful spiritual symbol. This study places the water symbolism in Syair Perahu within the social historical framework of Malay maritime societies from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It examines how the element of water was used as a reflection of the Malay worldview, which combined Islamic values with traditional cosmology. This approach uses historical analysis to connect the water symbolism in this poem with the dynamics of maritime life, including dependence on the sea, the challenges faced by coastal communities, and the influence of Islam as a guide to life. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the academic literature on the social history of Malay maritime, while offering a new perspective in understanding the role of symbolic elements of nature as a reflection of cultural and religious values. In addition, the study suggests an appreciation of the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, which is relevant to contemporary discussions on ecological conservation and sustainable development.