Investing in the Ummatic Cause: The Philanthropic Activities of ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Alawī al-’Aṭṭās (d. 1929)

Abstract

<p>‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Alawī al-’Aṭṭās (d. 1929) was born into a wealthy family and became a well-known Hadrami property-owner in Batavia (Jakarta). He lived in a dynamic era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which witnessed the awakening of the Hadrami community in the Netherlands East Indies or colonial Indonesia. As a strong supporter of Islamic reformism, he was heavily involved in disseminating the idea of progress and sponsoring a number of revivalist efforts, particularly in the field of education. His substantial financial contribution in this regard earned him a prominent reputation, although this was not always understood by his own community. However, his revivalist and philanthropic activities are rarely studied in depth. This article will discuss al-’Aṭṭās’ financial support toward the promotion of the ummatic cause in the Netherlands East Indies. The question of how his financial contributions were directed to improve the conditions of the ummah will be addressed thoroughly. This study uses the historical method and employs a number of primary sources that have not been widely used. It also utilizes research about charity and philanthropy to enrich the discussion. This study will, hopefully, broaden our understanding of the role of philanthropic activities in an effort to infuse revivalism in the Muslim society through one of its main proponents in the Netherlands East Indies.</p>