Hamka is an acronym of Hajji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah. Born on February 17, 1908, in Maninjau, West Sumatra, and deceased on July 24, 1981, in Jakarta, Hamka stands as a towering figure in Indonesian religious scholarship. His prolific contributions span over a hundred works of fiction, politics, history, biography, Islamic doctrine, ethics, mysticism, and tafsir.
Etymology and Background
The name “Hamka” blends elements from his given names: Hajji (a title given to Muslims who have completed the Hajj pilgrimage), Abdul Malik (servant of the King), and Karim Amrullah (a name highlighting the generosity and command of God).
Etymology:
- Hajji (Arabic: ุญุงุฌูู) โ One who has completed the Hajj.
- Abdul Malik (Arabic: ุนุจุฏ ุงูู ูู) โ Servant of the King.
- Karim (Arabic: ูุฑูู ) โ Generous or noble.
- Amrullah (Arabic: ุฃู ุฑ ุงููู) โ Command of God.
Historical Context and Contributions
Hamka was deeply involved in the revolutionary struggle for Indonesian independence from 1945 to 1949. His experiences during this period ingrained within him a profound understanding of human suffering and a steadfast dedication to faith. He saw the need to seek moral and ethical messages from history that could be applied to the evolving societal contexts of his time.
Hamka’s Major Works
Some of his significant works include:
- Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijck โ A novel blending romance with social critique.
- Tasawuf Moderen (Modern Sufism) โ An exploration of Sufism within the framework of contemporary life.
- Tafsir Al-Azhar โ His acclaimed exegesis of the Qur’an, which remains influential in Southeast Asian Islamic scholarship.
Influence on Pancasila
One of Hamka’s notable contributions is his interpretation of “Pancasila,” the foundational philosophy of the Indonesian state. He underscored the importance of the first principle, belief in the oneness of God (tawhid), highlighting its centrality in ensuring justice and moral integrity within the national framework.
Cultural and Regional Impact
Hamka’s impact is felt across the Malay-speaking world. His works traverse cultural, social, and national boundaries, resonating with themes of ethical governance, social justice, and authentic faith.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Religious scholar, Tafsir architect, Islamic ethicist, Literary figure.
- Antonyms: Secularist, Nihilist, Ignoramus.
Related Terms
- Tafsir (ุชูุณูุฑ): Exegesis or commentary, particularly of the Qur’an.
- Sufism (ุชุตูู): Islamic mysticism, focusing on the inward search for God and personal spirituality.
- Tawhid (ุชููุญูุฏ): The concept of monotheism in Islam.
Exciting Facts
- Hamka was imprisoned by the Sukarno regime due to political dissent, but he continued writing from jail, showcasing his resilience and unwavering conviction.
- Despite facing multiple imprisonments and house arrests, Hamka never wavered in his scholarly and literary pursuits.
Notable Quotations
“Sejarah adalah cermin, suatu media yang memantulkan bayangan masa lalu. Bayangkan apa yang dipantulkan sejarah itu lalu jadikan pelajaran berharga untuk memperbaiki masa depan.”
โ Hamka
“History is a mirror, a medium that reflects the shadows of the past. Envision what that reflection tells us and let it be a valuable lesson for improving the future.”
Suggested Literature and Sources
- “Hamka’s Great Story: A Master Writer’s Vision of Islam for Modern Indonesia” by James R. Rush
- “Islam and the Making of the Nation: Kartosuwiryo and Political Islam in 20th Century Indonesia” by Chiara Formichi
- Mazen Mahdi’s compilation of Hamka’s Arabic poems
Inspirational Farewell
May you find inspiration and wisdom in the timeless works of Hamka, guiding you towards a more just, ethical, and enlightened journey of faith and scholarship.
Azizah Nur, October 3, 2023
