MORAL OF LEADERSHIP IN HIKAYAT ISMA YATIM: AN ANALYSIS FROM THE ADAB APPROACH

This paper analyzes the character of leaders based on the apparent moral personality of the Isma Yatim character in the Hikayat Isma Yatim. A model-based approach framework of adab by Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas has been applied to achieve the objectives of this paper. This discussion will look at the personality of the character possessed by Isma Yatim to produce individuals who are known as the man of adab. The data of this study was obtained through content analysis of the text of Hikayat Isma Yatim, who was transliterated by Ayu Nor Azilah (2003). Literature review was also conducted to obtain preliminary information on the study. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas has outlined that between the principles of adab that should exist in a person to produce a man of adab is virtuous deeds as well as knowledge, wisdom and justice. The findings of this writing showed that the character of Isma Yatim has high morals and good manners when the principles are practiced. Hikayat Isma Yatim also is apparently conceived by its readership as providing enlightening principles in seeking for a guided relationship both with their Creator (hablumminaLLah) and fellow human beings (hablumminannas) as well as explicating the divine purposes of every living human being in this world – to become His vicegerent and servant. Based on the approach of adab, Isma Yatim meets the criteria of a high moral leaders such as humility, knowledgeable, sincere, generous, trust, respect, loyal to the King and fair. Morals owned by Isma Yatim qualified him as the man of adab as conformable to the principles of the approach of adab that have been outlined.