This is the reason why Sunan Kudus defended Arya Penangsang

Let's think again how do we know that Sunan Kudus is a bad person for defending Arya Penangsang who is also considered evil?  Older people know about ketoprak, a Javanese drama that is never asked where the story comes from.  Then people also know the story from the big screen or the small screen.

Nowadays people know more from the Youtube channel.  Or for the more intelligent class (because they have a passion for reading) they learn from books.

The book that most clearly vilifies Sunan Kudus is the Babad Tanah Jawi.  Do you know who the author of the chronicle was and what year it was made?  If you already know, do you think the author deserves to be called to know the actual chronology of events?  Isn't that time span so far?

The Background of the Penangsang vs Hadiwijaya Conflict

Both Arya Penangsang and Sultan Hadiwijaya were disciples of Sunan Kudus.  At that time, the charisma and fame of Sang Sunan was incomparable.  The religion of Islam is also on the rise.  And Sang Sunan is believed to be the most qualified Muslim expert.

Sunan Kudus alias Jak'far Shodiq had served as commander of the Demak kingdom when it brought down Majapahit.  His father, whose name was Sunan Ngudung, was the commander he succeeded.

Sunan Kudus was also the cause of the death of Ki Kebo Kenongo, a native of Majapahit who was famous for his magic and was considered to undermine the authority of Demak at that time.  It is worthy that he is indeed famous and respected.

Arya Penangsang is the original grandson of Sultan Fatah, the first king of Demak.  Sultan Hadiwijaya is the son-in-law of Sultan Trenggono.  Sultan Trenggono is Arya Penangsang's uncle (Paklik).

Arya Penangsang's father was killed by the son of Sultan Trenggono, then Sultan Trenggono became king of Demak replacing Pati Unus.  After Sultan Trenggono died, Sunan Prawoto replaced him.

Sunan Prawoto or Bagus Mukmin is the figure who caused the death of Arya Penangsang's father.  Then Arya Penangsang took revenge.  He sent someone to kill Prawoto.  This was the beginning of the dispute between Arya Penangsang and Sultan Hadiwijaya.

Sunan Prawoto has a sister named Ratu Kalinyamat.  Still according to the sources mentioned above, Queen Kalinyamat then protested to Sunan Kudus.

Sunan Kudus's response was considered unsatisfactory and even Queen Kalinyamat's husband was killed by the Arya Penangsangs.  There was also an assassination attempt against Sultan Trenggono which failed.  Then Queen Kalinyamat staged a demonstration.  The act of not wanting to dress before Penangsang died.

Sunan Kudus's Position in the Conflict

When the series of events occurred, Arya Penangsang was indeed near Sunan Kudus.  Sunan Kudus considered that Arya Penangsang was indeed entitled to the throne of Demak.  It is very possible that Sunan Kudus did tell Penangsang that his father was killed by Bagus Mukmin.

However, if it is said that Sang Sunan then ordered to kill Sunan Prawoto, many people doubt this.  There is a scene in the film that depicts Sunan Kudus plucking the chair that Sultan Hadiwijaya will sit on.  To lose knowledge.  Then ordered Arya Penangsang to kill Sultan Hadiwijaya (even though Arya Penangsang was less responsive to Sunan's words).

Is Sunan Kudus really that bad?

When Queen Kalinyamat came to Kudus to ask for justice after Sunan Prawoto's death, Sunan Kudus replied that it is natural for life to be paid for life is not a cruel thing.  In the days of the kingdom, revenge activities were common.

It could be that Sunan Kudus meant to suppress Queen Kalinyamat so that this incident would not drag on.  If not, then what should Sunan Kudus do?  Should Arya Penangsang also be killed for killing Sunan Prawoto?  If this continues then the series of revenge will never end.

Arya Penangsang himself is described as a rough figure, his voice is loud and grumpy.  However, there is not a single story that mentions that Penangsang is a bad character.

He was never told of oppressing the people, playing with women, gambling and other negative things.  We should understand that a tough person does not mean that he is evil and wants to win on his own.

There is also an opinion which says that of course Sunan Kudus defended Penangsang because he was closer in kinship.  Sunan Kudus's father, Sunan Ngudung, lived in Jipang.

Or the opinion that Sunan Kudus was hurt because his position as priest of the Great Mosque of Demak was replaced by Sunan Kalijaga during the leadership of Sultan Trenggono.  We know that Sultan Trenggono called Sunan Kalijaga, who was preaching in Cirebon at that time, to return to Demak.  Then there is a little debate between Sunan Kudus and Sunan Kalijaga in determining the beginning of Ramadan.  If you believe this opinion then why do you make a pilgrimage to Kudus?

Closing

This paper tries to remain neutral in understanding this history.  Please you determine your own opinion.

Or search all sources related to this story.  There is a story at the end of this article.

When Sunan Kudus visited Ki Kebo Kenongo in Pengging, Ki Kebo Kenongo (Joko Tingkir/ Hadiwijaya's father) was willing to end his life as long as his son got the glory.  At that time Sunan Kudus replied that he would try his best so that Joko Tingkir could live a noble and honorable life.  Then we know that Joko Tingkir can finally become the Sultan of Pajang. Hopefully this article can add insight.

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