[Two Minute Read]

A Special Short Article in conjunction with the KOTA BACA Event at Dataran Merdeka Kuala Lumpur 24-26 April 2026.

A renowned Nusantara Scholar.

Haji Abdul Malek Karim Amrullah (d.1981) has been regarded as a distinguished scholar and reformist in this Nusantara region.

He had written more than 100 books & articles including the magnum opus 30-Juzuk Tafsir al Azhar when he was in prison for two years and later completed the works after his release. Hamka, a novelist had produced masterpieces that included ‘Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijch’, Merantau Ke Deli, Tuan Direktur, Sabariah and many more.

Popularly known for his great works; Tasawwuf Moden and Falsafah Hidup as well as Pribadi where he calmly touched many hearts to change. Carefully written and at times implicitly offering remedies for spiritual needs. For instance, in great depth, he offered rich and practical perspectives on happiness in Tasawwuf Moden.

I am always, until now, excited to read his Travelogs. Works like 4 Bulan Hari di Amerika, Kenang-kenanganku di Malaya and Di Tepi Sungai Dajlah once read shall ‘force’ readers to immerse into his actual experiences during those memorable tours.

As an author myself, I subscribe to the notion that what is being written from the heart shall get into the readers’ hearts. Hamka surely might have worked on these great works from his heart!

With honest gratitude, I am truly hopeful that my first Zine entitled ‘Seni Tenang dan Berjeda: Menelusuri Pemikiran HAMKA’ which was pre-launched on 25 April 2026 at the KOTA BACA Event shall be accepted as a humble and small effort in many other efforts and works towards acknowledging scholarly works of the past.

By :
Hj Syamsul Amri A Razak

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