Merantau ke Deli

Fact: A Muslim man is allowed by the syariah to practice polygamy.

Myth: Polygamy promotes happiness.

 

There are quite a number of novels that discuss the issue of polygamy. But there is one book that I believe is the best depiction of that issue I have read so far. The book is ‘Merantau ke Deli’ by Hamka.

 

Hamka is exceptionally adept in writing life stories. He is able to develop the characters tailoring them to the flow of the story so that concurrent discussion about religion, custom etc can be made possible. In this book, Hamka openly criticise the use of Adat Perpatih, a matriarchal custom, which seems to be in contradictory with Islamic values and principles.

 

The story is staged on the backdrop of pre-independent Indonesia. A time where appreciation of Islamic values and custom went hand in hand with innocent ignorance which results further collided with blatant racism (clanism).

 

The story starts with Leman, a man who ploughs through his youth being a petty trader. As he was doing his trade he met with a woman named Poniem, a pretty soft spoken lady but with a heart hardened and strengthened by tribulations of life.  

 

Eventually love blossoms between the two characters. Leman thinking that Poniem is the best woman for him, he proposed soon after. Poniem excels in being a good wife. She helps her husband in any way possible so that they can lead a better life. Her sacrifices are immeasurable.

 

Sadly, when their lives are starting to get better Leman faces a dilemma, a dilemma to marry another. Though he was advised not to continue with his intentions he did the otherwise. Poniem consented to the marriage but with one condition that he will never leave her no matter what.

 

In the beginning all went smoothly but after a while cracks begin to appear in the two families. Leman too much in love with his new wife paid too much attention to her antics. She tried her best to make Poniem look bad and she succeeded. Leman then divorces Poniem with ‘Talak Tiga’.

 

After the divorce a lot of things happened to all the characters, which I will not further discuss. But in general Hamka successfully stresses both the fact and the myth as mentioned above. It’s up to you to find out the ending of such a brilliant story by a brilliant author.

 

WP: Special thanks to Marliza for loaning me the book