The Concept of Nur Muhammad in the Malay Islamic Literary Tradition: A Comparative Study between Hikayat Nur Muhammad and the Kitab Ad-Diba’i (AlBarzanji)

Malay Islamic literature has served as a crucial medium for the dissemination of religious and spiritual values within society. One prominent concept frequently explored is Nur Muhammad, the belief that the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) was the first creation of God in the form of light. This study aims to examine how this concept is represented in two key texts: Hikayat Nur Muhammad and Kitab Ad-Diba’i (Al-Barzanji). Employing a qualitative descriptive method with a literature study approach, the research applies intertextuality theory as proposed by Julia Kristeva and Gérard Genette. The analysis reveals that Hikayat Nur Muhammad conveys the concept of Nur Muhammad through metaphysical and Sufi narratives, while Kitab Ad-Diba’i presents it through emotional and liturgical praise poetry. Through the lens of intertextuality, a dialogical relationship between the two texts emerges in their articulation of the spiritual essence of the Prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, the application of hypertextuality and paratextuality demonstrates that Kitab Ad-Diba’i is a development of the ideas found in the earlier text, adapted into a more popular and accessible form for the wider community. This study affirms that both texts function not only as tools for religious propagation but also as integral parts of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Malay Islamic community.