Serang Manuscript Concerning The Arrival of Datuk Ri Bandang in South Sulawesi: Islam in Historical Perspective

This study aims to explain one of the pieces of evidence of the propagation of Islam and in the colophon, it is stated that the manuscript was copied by Guru Cawang on Wednesday 20 Mawlid. The manuscript was found in Kampung Pinang-Pinang Dusun Gojang Selatan Desa Bontomarannu, Kecamatan Bontomanae, the Djinabong collection inscribed with serang script. The manuscript’s physical is in remarkably good condition and its text is legible in its entirety. The manuscript’s cover was made of European paper and sewn by a thread, as many as 1 quires. The text is written in black ink. The contents narrate the arrival of Dato ri Bandang to Selayar who was sent by the king and caliph in Mecca to go to the East or Buton with Datu ri Tiro, Datu ri Barri, and Datu Pati. After arriving in Buton and converting its people then they were travelled to Selayar. Arriving at Selayar to be precise in Turungang, which is also called Ngapalohe Tanah Gantarang, they met a bussukang fisherman named I Puso. The conversation happened between Datuk ri Bandang and I Puso about an invitation to accept Islam. This study describes the history of Islam as patterns, systems, wisdom and theories that may have existed as past experiences that can be used to solve current problems. Because there is a repetition pattern in events even though the types of events are different. In studying the history of Islam, we must have a critical attitude, be objective in looking at the empirical evidence, then be able to critically in corporate events as well to find lessons from those events.