Unsur binatang dalam pendidikan adab masyarakat Melayu berdasarkan karya Raja Ali Haji

Abstract

The concept of learning from nature is a manifestation of constant observation and contemplation of nature which results from the close relationship between the Malay society and their surrounding. Among other things, they utilize the elements of certain animals to portray positive behaviors that should be emulated and negative behaviours that should be avoided. The study is aimed first, at discussing the reality of man and animal, and second focusing on the elements of animals that have been utilized to portray the human behavior and characteristics, which is meant for inculcating the education of moral and ethics to ensure the happiness and harmony in societal life. The content analysis approach is employed to study selected works of Raja Ali Haji (1808-1872), a renowned Malay scholar born in Riau Island, who composed magnum opus in multifarious disciplines including shariah, tasawwuf, ethics, language and literature, history and mirror of the prince. The findings show that the Malays in the Malay archipelago benefited many powerful lessons from the nature and consider it as their teacher in order to manifest the high moral standards in their life that is based on the Islamic worldview.