The Role and Contribution of Hamka in Da’wah in Southeast Asia

Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah or known as HAMKA was a prominent Muslim scholar in the Malay Archipelago. He was the public face of the Islamic Resurgence in the 1970s. He would appear on Malaysian television, speaking on various aspects of Islam—ethics, theology, morality; and history and society of the Malay Archipelago and the Islamic world. His works are certainly a significant contribution to the intellectual history of Malay society. In that sense, Hamka left us with a body of works on the study of Malay attitudes, behaviours and sentiments in engaging with modernity and colonialism. Thus, this research aims to discuss the role and contribution of HAMKA in various spheres of life. He has produced many masterpieces includes scientific works, creative works, and commentary books. Other than that, he had involved in Islamic movements such as Muhammadiyah and the Majlis Ulama Indonesia. He was also involved in politics and administration as a member Indonesian Constituent Council. The works of Hamka lend to us an alternative source in developing an autonomous tradition for the study of Malay society in the Malay Archipelago, especially the dynamics of culture and change in Malaysia and Indonesia. The example of his daily life became a role model for many people. HAMKA’s speech managed to impress the audience with its fresh language proficiency and inspiring anyone. He was also involved in the development of Islamic education, da’wah and mosques activities. This figure has been the subject of constant study in among fans and academics from a variety of backgrounds. HAMKA was a great scholar, intellectual, preacher, educator, writer and administrator. There is one other significant contribution out of this which had earlier escaped my attention, i.e. the use of history as a tool for change and reform. HAMKA has not only made a multi-dimensional contribution to the construction, preservation, empowerment and development of the people, but has also been leaving an invaluable legacy as an inspiration to the inner soul of the ummah in facing the current challenges of globalization.