Creativity in Malay commentary works : a special reference to Shaykh Dawud al-Fatani’s Ward al-Zawahir

Abstract EN

For generations, Dawud al-Fatani’s works have been considered among the reputable and reliable references in the literature of the Malay Archipelago.

Among his authoritative works are: Munyat al-MusallÊ, Durr al-ThamÊn, FurË’ al-Masa’il, Minhaj al-‘Óbidin and al-Manhal al-Safi which have been praised for their lucid exposition of the issues addressed by al-Fatani in his writing.

The hallmark of his scholarship is undoubtably his creativity and innovation, representing a key characteristic of the Islamic literature of the era and showcasing his gift for elucidating the primary texts of al-Qur’an and al-Hadith.

This paper attempts to illustrate al-Fatani’s unique approach employed in his magnificent work entitled Ward al-Zawahir.

The research reveals that among the techniques used by al-Fatani to enhance his writing, and which contributed so much to the Malay classical literature of the times are: Bilingualism, faedah (benefit point) and tanbih (admonishing point) etc.

This paper is an exposure to the works of al-Fatani that will certainly benefit new generations of authors, enabling them to appreciate and draw inspiration from the literary heritage left to them by their predecessors.