Interpreting Sufism: A Study on Hidayathul Adhkiya of Zainuddin Mkhdum 1

Abstract

Hidayathul Adhkiya Ila Tariqil Awliya is a poem written by renowned Islamic scholar of Ponnani, Zainuddin Mkhdum 1 in the beginning of 16th century. Ponnani at that time was a flourishing trade centre when the author reached there from Kochi, where he was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Islamic learning, culture and leadership. His activities in Ponnani included the construction of the Ponnani Juma Masjid, in which he was appointed as the Qazi; establishment of the Darsu in the Juma Masjid as a centre of higher learning in Islamic knowledge; composition of certain number of books and other writings1 that would help the students their pursuit of Islamic learning; composition of the poem Thahridh2 as an exposition to the need for fighting for the defence of public interest. (Zainuddin Makhdum, 2021, p. 4) All these undertakings acted as parts of an integral task that paved the foundation for the cultivation of Islamic learning in Ponnani which later earned the honour of being designated as the Makkah of Malabar where students from abroad even Ceylon, Sumatra, and Java visited in pursuit of Knowledge. The composition the poem under discussion here is also belong to that category of work that Makhdum I had was the beginning of a tradition to stimulate the Islamic Culture and is to be continued through his descendants for a long period until Mampuram Thangals came to the scene.