Islamic Astronomy in Modern Aceh: Sheikh Muhammad Amin al-Tirawi and His Manuscript

Abstract

This study examines the classic manuscript ‘Umdat al-Ṭullāb fī Tārīkh al-‘Arāb by Teuku Muhammad Amin al-Tirawi, a prominent scholar from Aceh. The research focuses on analyzing the Hijri calendar calculation system utilized in this manuscript and its relevance to efforts toward unifying the Hijri calendar in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative method with a library research approach, the study involves direct documentation of the manuscript, translation, and content analysis. The findings reveal that the manuscript applies the hisāb ‘urfi jumali method, which is based on Arabic alphabetical numerical calculations adopted from Indian systems in the 3rd century CE. The key finding of the research is that the calculation algorithm in this manuscript is limited to the month of Muharram, using a repetitive method based on the provided tables. This study underscores the importance of preserving classical manuscripts as a foundation for advancing modern astronomical studies