Hamka and Islam

This insightful exploration examines Hamka's role in transforming Islamic thought in the Malay world. Hamka and Islam highlights his unique approach to reform.

Since the early twentieth century, there has been a significant movement among Muslim reformers advocating for a profound transformation in the perception of Islam within the Malay world. One of the most prominent figures in this movement is Haji Abdul Malik bin Abdul Karim Amrullah, widely known as Hamka. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping contemporary Islamic thought in the region.

In Hamka and Islam, Khairudin Aljunied introduces the concept of cosmopolitan reform to illustrate Hamka's efforts to merge diverse Islamic and Western ideologies. This book delves into various themes, including the balance between reason and revelation, the dichotomy of moderation versus extremism, and the pressing issues of social justice and women's status in society. Additionally, it highlights Sufism's relevance in modernity and emphasizes the role of historical context in the reformation of contemporary Muslim thought.

Aljunied posits that Hamka's intellectual flexibility and openness to a wide array of philosophies enabled him to create a unique vocabulary for reform. His ability to serve as a bridge between conflicting Islamic and secular perspectives marks him as a distinctive figure in this discourse. Hamka and Islam not only expands the existing literature on Muslim reformism but also contextualizes it within the Malay experience, offering fresh insights into the notion of cosmopolitan reform.