However, unlike his earlier poems which used it in a similar manner to "Dewa" ("Deity"), in Nyanyi Sunyi the word is used as understood in Abrahamic religions, such as Amir's own Islam;[6] Amir shows influences from Sufism.[18] In some cases, writes Teeuw, Amir treats God almost as a lover, using familiar terms such as "engkau" ("you") to address Him.[19] However, Amir recognises that he cannot be one with God.[19] Jassin writes that Amir seems aware of his own smallness before God, acting as a puppet for God's will;[20] Teeuw notes that Amir recognises that he would not exist if God did not.[19]