The lack of research on literary elements in "babad" is in line with the limited
study of Islamic elements within this genre. This research aims to analyze
the Javanese poets' depictions of Islam in "Babad Tanah Jawi" and "Babad
Giyanti." The study operates under the assumption that "babad" as literary
works can allegorically create a contested space where Islam interacts with
other traditions. A qualitative paradigm with a comparative structural
approach is employed in this study, focusing on the narratives that shape
the author's understanding of Islam in the 18th century. The findings of this
research reveal that the court poet's portrayal of Islam in "Babad Tanah
Jawi" shares similarities with another work in the same genre, "Babad
Giyanti." These commonalities encompass the utilization of Islamic verses
in the "bhabuka" text and "asmaul husna," the depiction of "walisongo's"
role, the practice of "tawajjuh," moral Islamic teachings, and the political
positioning characterized by ambivalence and negotiation among different
traditions.