Buya Hamka in the View of Academics

Buya Hamka is a figure who holds a special position. He is known not only as an ulama, but also as a writer, journalist, thinker, and Islamic reformer. Due to his extensive work across various fields, many scholars view Hamka as an intellectual figure capable of bridging Islamic values with the development of modern society. His influence is even considered to have contributed to shaping the intellectual character of Indonesian Muslims in the 20th century. One aspect frequently discussed by researchers is Hamka’s ability to bring Islamic teachings closer to the social realities facing society. Unlike some ulama who focus more on normative and textual aspects, Hamka sought to present Islam in a language closer to everyday life. These ideas can be found in various works, such as Tafsir Al-Azhar, Tasawuf Modern, and a number of novels he wrote. According to many experts, this approach made Hamka’s thinking easier to understand for various groups, both the general public and intellectual circles. In the study of tafsir, Buya Hamka is often regarded as a mufasir with a contextual approach. Through Tafsir Al-Azhar, he not only explained the meaning of verses textually but also connected them to social issues, education, morality, and the condition of the Indonesian nation. Therefore, the tafsir he wrote not only functions as a religious explanation but also becomes a medium for reflection on various societal problems. Several studies show that Hamka often utilised personal experience, historical approaches, and social observation in interpreting the verses of the Qur’an. From a literary perspective, Hamka also receives considerable attention. Works such as Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijck and Di Bawah Lindungan Ka’bah remain objects of discussion to this day. Scholars view these novels not only as romantic literary works but also as a form of criticism of various social issues developing in his era. Through stories and their characters, Hamka raised issues about custom, social class, education, and individual freedom. In a more subtle and persuasive way, he conveyed messages of reform without having to engage in confrontational political rhetoric. Another aspect that often receives appreciation from academic circles is Hamka’s intellectual journey, which was largely built autodidactically. Although he did not pursue lengthy formal education like many other scholars, Hamka was known as a figure with a very high interest in reading. He studied various works of Islamic thinkers from the Middle East while also reading Western literature. The breadth of references he read made Hamka’s perspective more open and not limited to a single tradition of thought. Recognition of Hamka’s intellectual capacity is also evident from the various academic awards he received. In 1958, he received an honorary doctorate from Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Subsequently, in 1974, the National University of Malaysia also granted a similar award. This data shows that Hamka’s contributions were recognised not only in Indonesia but also appreciated internationally. Therefore, a number of scholars place Hamka as one of the most influential Muslim intellectuals in the Southeast Asian region. However, academic views on Hamka are not always uniformly positive without criticism. Some researchers have attempted to review a number of his ideas, especially those related to Malay identity, local culture, and the relationship between religion and social life. Such criticism generally arises because Hamka’s thinking is considered to have been born from a specific socio-political context that differs from current conditions. Yet, it is precisely from these various discussions that it appears Hamka’s thinking still holds relevance and continues to be a topic of discussion in academic circles. Overall, Buya Hamka is seen as a figure who succeeded in transcending the boundaries of scientific disciplines. He was not just an ulama, but also an intellectual who actively spoke about literature, culture, education, and social life. To this day, his works are still widely used as references in research in the fields of Islamic studies, Indonesian literature, history, and social thought. Thus, Hamka not only has historical value as a national figure but also remains relevant as a source of intellectual inspiration for the current generation.