Author of the Month: Norhafsah Hamid

Norhafsah Hamid was born in 1973 and received her primary and secondary education in Malaysia. She then pursued her studies at Reading University in the United Kingdom and obtained a law degree. She then became an advocate and solicitor, specialising in civil litigation. After completing her Diploma in Syariah and Legal Practice, she began handling various Syariah-related matters.

In an interview, Norhafsah said she has always loved books since young, thanks to her father who often brought many books home, kindling a love for reading within her and her siblings. She never thought of being a writer, but she wished to share her experiences and knowledge with the hope that others would benefit.

Her book, Letters to God, has garnered several accolades, including being named Best English Novel at the 2019 National Book Awards organised by the National Book Development Foundation of Malaysia, and it was longlisted for the 2020 Dublin Literary Award. Her other books include Trying to be Muslim, Back to Basics, and Calling Me Softly – most of which explores her faith and the role played by its tenets in life.

She is currently taking a break from civil practice and now dedicates her time to her family and Islam. She also co-founded a non-governmental organisation called Nadi Annissa, which organises recreational activities for Muslim women in line with Syariah principles, to promote a healthy way of life and to disseminate knowledge of Syariah.

This April, selected titles by our Author of the Month, Norhafsah Hamid, are going for 15% off storewide and on MPHOnline.com, so take this opportunity to check out her work, including the abridged version of her Letters to God series, now in two volumes.