Sheikh Abdullah Fahim Contributions to Islam and Malay World as Islamic Astronomer and Educationalist

Abstract

This study highlights the role of Sheikh Abdullah Fahim in contributing to Islam and Malay World as an Islamic astronomer and educationalist, particularly in fostering the love for knowledge between the years 1916 - 1970. Sheikh Abdullah Fahim was a distinguihed scholar who has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the pondok educational system and possed significant expertise in both ‘ilm al-falak (Islamic astronomy) and Islamic ducation. His efforts included the establishment of schools and the reform of the educational system, grounded in Islam as the foundation of knowledge and progress. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to analyse Sheikh Abdullah Fahim’s contributions to the advancement of Islam and the intellectual tradition of the Malay world through his work in Islamic astronomy. This analysis adopts a thematic approach, based on library research into his legacy and supported by secondary sources on his achievements. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study collects and analyses data from library-based materials. The findings indicate that Sheikh Abdullah Fahim's promotion of love for knowledge is evident in his efforts to educate the public through formal education, his engagement in the field of astronomy, and his political involvement in the period leading up to Malaya’s independence.