Sufi Ethics in Serat Centhini Volume I: An Al-Ghazalian Perspective

Abstract

Sufi ethics remains a relevant topic of discussion in Indonesian society. Previous studies on the Serat Centhini have generally focused on local wisdom, literature, or theosophical-cosmological syncretism—such as the concept of wahdatul wujud—but have been limited in examining its practical-behavioural ethical dimension (tasawuf akhlaqi). This study examines and analyses Sufi ethics in Serat Centhini Volume 1, specifically from Al-Ghazali's perspective. The main issue addressed is how Al-Ghazali's ethical teachings, centred on the concept of purification of the soul (tazkiyatun nafs), are reflected and expressed in the narratives, symbols, and behaviours of the characters in Serat Centhini, Volume 1. This study employs a hermeneutic research method through a literature review (library research). The categorised data were then analysed using hermeneutic methods to dissect the text in depth, right down to its roots. The research findings reveal that the narrative dynamics and spiritual journeys of the figures (such as Sunan Giri and Syekh Amongraga) are real manifestations of the stages of tazkiyatun nafs, which are concretely embodied in ethical maqams: Tawakal in the face of the crisis of war, patience in the face of physical suffering, social gratitude, zuhud in the form of deferring physical desires for the sake of spiritual practice, wara' (inner vigilance against negligence), khauf-raja', and culminating in muraqabah and muhasabah. The novelty and scientific contribution of this research lie in the demonstration of the presence of "ethical syncretism" —that is, the harmonious integration of moderate Islamic Sufi ethics based on *Ihya Ulumuddin with Javanese cultural wisdom—thereby establishing Serat Centhini Volume 1 not only as a cultural encyclopedia but also as a contextual and relevant guide to the spiritual ethics of Nusantara Islam.