The Contribution of Kitab Sullam al-Nayyirain in Calculation of Eclipse Within the Archipelago

Event of eclipse event occurred in numbers of civilizations in the world and received varies perception upon its causes and implications. The similar insight is found in Islam, which linked to the sovereignty of Allah, signs for the last day and the alight of Imam Mahdi. Besides, eclipse is one of the parts in astronomical study. It teaches public on calculation methods as well as movement of sun and moon in order to identify location of the universe and the particular time in religious teaching. The growth of astronomical study has occurred before Islam took place until conceded by Muslim scholars and advanced to the archipelago. This growth has asisted local Muslim scholars in their calculation and observation concerning solar and moon eclipse events. Among books which has become references in this study is Kitab Sullam al-Nayyirain fi Ma’rifati al-Ijtima’ wa al-Kusufain by Kiyai Haji Muhammad Mansur Betawi. Therefore, the study was conducted in form of library method in order to study its contribution in the field of eclipse as well as in the expansion of falak knowledge among Malay community in archipelago. It is found out that the book has revealed a calculation that has provided a proximity value (hisab bi taqrib) to the predictable date of eclipse. Hence, this discipline will benefit the Malay community to make preparation in advance before fronting the eclipse in order to execute worship as well as to notify society on this matter.