The notion of "dakwah" and its perceptions in Malaysia's Islamic literature of the 1970s and 80s

Abstract

In the 1970s the Malaysian literary scene saw the outburst of what camp to be generally known as "Sastera Islam" (Islamic Literature). This literature demonstrates a particular philosophical perspective, especially the notion of "dakwah" which informs both the discourse as well as the literary works produced. This paper attempts to examine literary manifestations of " dakwah " as they are reflected in concrete literary works. It seeks to highlight issues and concerns perceived as thematically Islamic and consistent with the call for and demands of dakwah . To this end, a prior understanding of the background and discourse of Sastera Islam is in order.