How to Deal With False Facts: The Course of Action of Hamka

Abstract

In recent years, many false facts have appeared in social media and other media. How to deal with such publications is a challenge for many people. Often, they feel insecure and do not know how to reply and react to false claims. In this paper, the researchers look at the way how Hamka (Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah) dealt with such facts. Two main works were analysed, namely Teguran Suci & Jujur Terhadap Mufti Johor and Antara Fakta dan Khayal Tuanku Rao. The first book is the reaction to the claims that the Kaum Muda movement led to an increase in problems like the growing influence of communism. The second book is a reaction to a historical book about the Padri movement in the 19th century in West Sumatra. Hamka reacted to false facts and juxtaposed his view. The researchers used a structuralist approach in order to identify the dichotomies between the authors who made the false claims and Hamka. Furthermore, the linguistic style of Hamka was analysed too. In both publications, Hamka had to react to facts that were not true. It was detected that he used a firm stand that was supported by his knowledge of statistical facts. Nonetheless, Hamka strikes a conciliatory tone in order to prevent a greater conflict.