KEMBARA
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): April

Sufi symbolism of the beloved and the sea in Ahmadun Yosi Herfanda’s poetry: A perspective of Braginsky’s theory

Sujarwoko, Sujarwoko (Unknown)
Suhartono, Suhartono (Unknown)
Rahmayantis, Marista Dwi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Studies on Sufi poetry indicate that symbolism functions not only as an aesthetic expression but also as a medium of complex spiritual experience. However, previous research often separates religious symbols from existential imagery, resulting in fragmented interpretations of meaning. This study aims to analyze the symbols of the Beloved and the sea in the poetry of Ahmadun Yosi Herfanda using a Sufi symbolic approach. This research employs a qualitative method of textual analysis grounded in Vladimir Braginsky's symbolic-Sufi framework. The data consist of selected poems analyzed through symbol identification, interpretation of meaning, and their relation to Sufi concepts. The findings reveal that the Beloved's symbol represents the ultimate goal of union with the Divine. At the same time, the sea symbolizes the spiritual journey characterized by longing, trials, and alienation. Both symbols are integrated into a unified mystical structure connecting journey and union. The study concludes that mystical experience in Ahmadun Yosi Herfanda’s poetry is integrative and multidimensional. Its scholarly contribution lies in developing a Sufi symbolic reading that combines relational (Beloved) and processual (sea) dimensions within a systematic analytical framework.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

KEMBARA

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

KEMBARA diterrbitkan sejak April 2015 oleh Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia FKIP Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. KEMBARA memuat artikel hasil penelitian bahasa, sastra, dan pengajarannya, yang diterbitkan pada bulan April dan ...