After thirty years of studying in Aceh, Burhanuddin returned to his native Minangkabau to spread the teachings of Islam there.[1] In 1680, he returned to Ulakan and established a surau (Islamic assembly building) in Tanjung Medan, located in a complex of about five hectares.[2][3] There, he spread the teachings of Islam as well as developed the Shattari tariqa.[3] In this surau, many religious and social activities were performed, such as the daily prayers, study of religion, musyawarah (consensus-based decision making), da'wah (proselytization) and the learning of arts and martial arts.[5] The surau grew rapidly and later became a pesantren (boarding school style Islamic seminary).[1] Burhanuddin received tremendous respect from the people, and the teachings he brought were widely accepted there.[3] Students came to learn both from within the Minangkabau region and outside of it including Riau, Jambi, and Malacca.[1]