Sunan (Indonesian title)

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This article is about the Indonesian title. For the Sunni Islam text, see Sunan al-Tirmidhi.

Sunan is the shorter version of "Susuhunan", both used as an honorary title in Java island, Indonesia. According to Prof. Dr. HAMKA in his book "Dari Perbendaharaan Lama" the word derived from a Javanese word for arrangement (susunan) of hands in reverential salutation, done with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, and bowing. This arrangement which has some similarities with Indian "namaste" is called "sembah", which is used to honor and praise. Thus, "Susuhunan" means someone to give the "susunan"/"sembah" to, or in other words, a revered one. Another word for "Susuhunan" is "Sesembahan".[1]

This title is given by the Javanese and Sundanese to rulers, clerics and even deities. The most obvious example are the Sunans of the Nine Saints (Wali Songo), who were the spreaders of Islam in Java. Also, there's "Sunan Ambu" (Queen Mother/Goddess Mother), a female deity revered by the Sundanese.

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[edit] References

  1. ^ HAMKA, Prof. Dr., Dari Perbendaharaan Lama, Page 244, Cet. II, Pustaka Panjimas, Jakarta, 1982
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