RAIHAN HILAL

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Why you’re seeing this: Mentions RAIHAN HILAL

From page to screen, ‘Nirnama’ sparks renewed interest in Jawi

Through “Nirnama”, a fantasy adventure set during the era of the Melaka sultanate, author Hilal Asyraf Abd Razak hopes to encourage Malaysians to reconnect with Jawi through storytelling that is engaging, accessible and entertaining. The novels were initially published in Malay. However, convinced that readers needed more opportunities to engage with Jawi outside formal settings, Hilal later began producing Jawi editions for every instalment in the series. “Today, there are very few opportunities for people to practise reading Jawi. Even Jawi-language newspapers no longer exist. “So, I thought it would be interesting to have a fiction novel that isn’t as heavy as traditional literary works or academic books,” he told FMT at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair recently. The response has exceeded expectations: the first Jawi edition sold more than 15,000 copies, while the Malay version has surpassed 35,000 copies. Subsequent titles have also enjoyed steady demand, with each averaging between 3,000 and 7,000 copies sold. Now in its fifth instalment, the latest title, “Nirnama: Hikayat Pengembaraan Ke Timur”, has sold nearly 2,500 copies since its release in April. Drawing inspiration from Malay history and folklore, Hilal ensures that each book remains grounded in Islamic values. “Readers really appreciate the values woven into the stories. Because it is fiction, they don’t feel as though they’re being preached to. The lessons unfold naturally through the story and through the actions and dialogue of the characters,” said the 37-year-old Johorean. Beyond entertaining readers, Hilal hopes the books can also challenge negative perceptions about Islam. “I try to counter those narratives through the character of Nirnama. I hope people can see that when someone sincerely follows Islamic teachings, they become a good person who rejects corruption, stands against injustice and protects the oppressed. “That is the kind of character I am trying to portray, and I hope that mission succeeds,” he said. In further good news, the journey of “Nirnama” is set to extend beyond the printed page. Hilal revealed that the books will be adapted into an animated series through a collaboration with Wau Animation, the studio behind the hugely successful “Ejen Ali” franchise. The adaptation is expected to premiere in 2029. Among the series’ young fans are Nur Alya Qistina Na’imran, 17, and Wan Nur Alya Batrisyia, 15, who say they were drawn to the books because of their positive messages. “’Nirnama’ is written in incredible detail. Every time we read it, we feel inspired and motivated to become better Muslims,” said Nur Alya Qistina. Both teens are fluent in Jawi and believe publishing contemporary novels in the script is important if it is to remain relevant to younger generations. “Nowadays, very few people use Jawi; many assume it is only associated with religion. But when novels like this are published, it becomes a great reading option for children and helps prevent Jawi from being seen as outdated,” said Wan Nur Alya Batrisyia. Meanwhile, 33-year-old Nik Muhammad Aimullah said he learnt about “Nirnama” through its upcoming animation adaptation. “I had never actually read the books, but when Wau Animation announced they were producing an animated series, I became interested in learning more,” he said. What ultimately convinced him to pick up the novels was their focus on traditional Malay stories, Nusantara heritage and Islamic values – themes he feels are rarely explored in mainstream local fiction. As “Nirnama” continues to attract new readers, its success is proof that Jawi, when paired with compelling storytelling, can still find a place in the lives of modern Malaysians. Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram Subscribe to our newsletter and get news delivered to your mailbox.