Manuscript KN-16 of Kanoman Palace, Cirebon: An Analytical Study in the Context of National Heritage Revitalization

Abstract

This study presents a philological examination of an Islamic theological manuscript (KN 16) preserved at the historic Kanoman Palace in Cirebon, Indonesia. The primary aim is to critically edit, transliterate into Latin, translate into Indonesian, and examine the manuscript's doctrinal content. The research methodology integrates textual criticism to recover the original text, Nabilah Lubis’s translation framework, and Al Sharqawi’s approach, utilizing content analysis to ensure semantic precision and faithful transmission. Findings reveal that KN 16 addresses fundamental theological themes, including faith, the concept of Imamate, good and evil, and the virtue of early Islamic generations. Furthermore, the analysis highlights specific linguistic and grammatical anomalies, such as the ambiguity of the term "marʾatī" (مرءتي) and a syntactical error in the phrase “and the believer(s) will exit the Fire” (والمؤمن يخرج من النار), which necessitate further comparative review. Ultimately, this study provides a critically established edition of KN 16, enhancing the preservation of Indonesia’s Islamic heritage and offering a vital resource for future studies on Arabic manuscript traditions and local theological discourse.