Arom, Nurul Hidayah and Nik Abdullah, Nik Md. Saiful Azizi and Samsudin, Sofiah (2026) Hamka’s methodology in rejecting Isra’iliyyat narratives: a tawhidic epistemological approach. In: IIUM POSTGRADUATE COLLOQUIUM 2025 TAWHIDIC EPISTEMOLOGY AND THE PURSUIT OF HOLISTIC KNOWLEDGE, 23rd October 2025., Centre for Postgraduate Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia.
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Abstract
The presence of Isra’iliyyat narratives as additional details in Qur’anic interpretation has long been debated among Muslim scholars. However, not all Isra’iliyyat narratives can be accepted; they require critical evaluation through the established classifications of accepted, rejected, or undecided. This study highlights the category of rejected Isra’iliyyat⸺those considered unreliable or contradictory to Islamic beliefs and tawhid. It examines the methodology of Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah (HAMKA) in his Tafsir al-Azhar, focusing on his rejection of several Isra’iliyyat narratives related to Prophet Adam. HAMKA’s critical approach reflects a tawhidic epistemological approach, integrating revelation (wahy), reason (‘aql), and historical knowledge to safeguard the purity of Islamic teachings grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Examples include his rejection of: (1) the existence of another khalifah prior to Prophet Adam, (2) the creation of Hawa from Prophet Adam’s rib, (3) Iblis entering the serpent’s body, (4) the naming of forbidden tree as the “fruit of eternity” (khuldi), and (5) the blaming of Hawa as the cause of the expulsion from Paradise. By rejecting these accounts, HAMKA demonstrates his endeavor to preserve the integrity of tawhid and filter unreliable narratives that risk distorting Qur’anic stories. The findings reveal how the Malay tafsir tradition contributes to the pursuit of holistic knowledge by critically engaging with inherited Isra’iliyyat narratives while remaining faithful to the Qur’anic message. This study highlights the significance of tawhidic epistemology in addressing challenges of knowledge authenticity through the integration of revelation, reason, and historical knowledge in contemporary tafsir studies.
| Item Type: | Proceeding Paper (Plenary Papers) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | HAMKA, Isra’iliyyat narratives, Prophet Adam, Tawhidic epistemology |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion BPL Islamic education > BPL27 Aims and objectives of education. Sustainable education |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Education > Department of Curriculum & Instruction |
| Depositing User: | DR NIK MD SAIFUL AZIZI NIK ABDULLAH |
| Date Deposited: | 18 May 2026 15:51 |
| Last Modified: | 18 May 2026 15:51 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-05-Q3355 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128998 |
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