The Role of Pesantren in Preserving and Disseminating Islamic Knowledge through Writing: A Study of North Sumatra Ulama

Abstract

This study explores the important role of Pesantren, the Islamic Boarding School, in preserving and disseminating Islamic knowledge through writing in North Sumatra. Ulama, who are scholars born from these schools, not only teach and preach but also write books, pamphlets, and other forms of written knowledge dissemination. This preliminary study aims to collect, identify, rescue, transliterate from Jawi to Rumi writing, and publish the works of Ulama specifically written in Jawi. Among the books found were those by Sheikh Abdul Halim Khatib Lubis, including KasyfulGummah, BayanusSyafi, and SyaifuthTholabah. This study focuses on the collection and preservation of these works, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of North Sumatra Ulama's contributions to Islamic scholarship. The study highlights the significance of the Pesantren as a center for writing and dissemination of knowledge, in addition to its role as a center for formal education. The research also sheds light on the importance of Jawi as a written language and the need for its translation to Rumi to preserve the works of Ulama. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the role of Pesantren in preserving and disseminating Islamic knowledge through writing in North Sumatra, and highlights the importance of preserving and translating works written in Jawi to Rumi for future generations.