The features of Islamic identity in creative writing : an analysis on the novel Nur from the Qur'anic perspective

Abstract

Recent developments in Malaysia have witnessed the flourishing of Islamic creative writing, inculcating the core of faith and akhlaq in the readers of Islamic novels. The increasing number of novels published and sold on the market and the tremendously positive public reception towards novels can be seen. However, the Islamic novels have been questioned as to whether they are Islamic and show the true Islamic identity, in line with the Qur’anic perspective, as a way of life. Thus, this study focused on the Islamic novel Nur by Rose Harissa as the object of analysis. Questions concerning the effectiveness of the plot development and the character portrayals in the novel Nur in promoting Islamic values and Qur’ān-approved Islamic identity were raised. The criteria of creative writing are based on the Islamic perspective; the formation of Islamic identity in creative writing; the representation of Islamic identity features in the novel Nur in reflecting the Qur’ānic perspective; and the compatibility of scenes in the novel Nur with the Qur’anic perspective were analyzed. For this qualitative study, content analysis was used to examine scenes in the novel Nur related to Islamic identity. Textual analysis was employed to interpret the Islamic identities and the corresponding lifestyles depicted in the novel. The inductive method was utilized in data collection. The intrinsic approach was used to investigate the elements of the novel. Then, the structuralist approach was used to accurately elaborate the relationship between these elements in the novel and Islamic identity. This study has suggested ways to improve the content of Islamic creative writing. The results showed that the novel Nur beautifully presented the features of Islamic identity in writing. Unfortunately, some scenes contravened Islamic identity as a way of life and disregarded the Qur’anic perspective, confusing the reader. Repeated narrations of sexual scenes should be avoided. Instead, elements of education and the antagonist returning to the true path should be included. The novel Nur should have used the stories in the Qur’ān as examples in its writing and plot development,