The Oldest Known Malay Manuscript: A 16th Century Malay Translation of the 'Aqā'id of al-Nasafī

The Oldest Known Malay Manuscript: A 16th Century Malay Translation of the ‘Aqā’id of al-Nasafī is a significant discovery in the field of Malay literature, offering valuable insights into the religious and intellectual traditions of Islam in the Malay world. The book details the author’s meticulous analysis of this manuscript, which was brought to his attention by his cousin, Ungku Abdul Aziz. The author’s work not only identifies the text as a 16th-century translation of the ‘Aqā’id of al-Nasafī but also unravels the complexities of Malay historical dating, specifically the octennial cycle, correcting previous misunderstandings. Through a comprehensive examination of the manuscript, the book sheds light on previously obscure aspects of Malay history and literature, establishing the manuscript’s crucial role in understanding the evolution of both the Malay language and the religious and intellectual landscape of the region.