Norhafsah Hamid

Born in 1973, Norhafsah Hamid completed her primary and secondary education in Malaysia before pursuing a law degree at Reading University, UK. She later became an advocate and solicitor, specializing in civil litigation. Her legal expertise expanded when she earned a Diploma in Syariah and Legal Practice, enabling her to handle various Syariah-related matters.

Norhafsah credits her father for instilling a love for books in her and her siblings from a young age. While writing was never her initial aspiration, she developed a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge, hoping to inspire and benefit others.

Her critically acclaimed book, Letters to God, earned the Best English Novel award at the 2019 National Book Awards, organized by the National Book Development Foundation of Malaysia. It was also longlisted for the 2020 Dublin Literary Award. In addition to Letters to God, her other notable works include Trying to Be Muslim, Back to Basics, and Calling Me Softly. Through these writings, Norhafsah explores themes of faith and the transformative role of its principles in life.

Currently, Norhafsah is on a hiatus from civil practice, dedicating her time to her family and her spiritual pursuits. She co-founded Nadi Annissa, a non-governmental organization that promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters knowledge of Syariah through recreational activities tailored for Muslim women.