<p><strong>Abstrak: </strong><strong>Tradisi Intelektual Ulama Mandailing di Sumatera Timur: Zainal Arifin Abbas, 1912-1979</strong>. Studi<strong> </strong>ini meneliti biografi, karya, gagasan dan kontribusi Zainal Arifin Abbas di Sumatera Timur. Pemikiran pendidikan Zainal Arifin Abbas di Sumatera Timur dipengaruhi oleh orang tua, guru, kolega hingga orang-orang yang ada di sekelilingnya. Studi ini meneliti biografi dan kontribusi Zainal Arifin Abbas dalam tradisi dan dinamika intelektual di Sumatera Timur. Melalui metode sosiologis-historis, temuan penelitian ini yaitu Zainal Arifin Abbas telah berkontribusi signifikan dalam bidang pendidikan. Melalui keteladanan, ia berhasil menjadi pendidik yang arif, pengagas berdirinya madrasah modern, serta penulis produktif. Ia senantiasa menunjukkan semangat dalam menuntut ilmu, mengintegrasikan ilmu, memuliakan guru, dan senantiasa memberikan pemahaman tentang urgensi pendidikan ibadah kepada masyarakat. Ia juga seorang organisatoris dan pejuang kemerdekaan Indonesia.</p><p><strong>Kata Kunci: </strong>Mandailing, Ulama, Sumatera Timur, Zainal Arifin Abbas</p><p>Abstract: The Intellectual Tradition of Mandailing Ulama in East Sumatra: Zainal Arifin Abbas, 1912-1979. This study examines the biography, works and contributions of Zainal Arifin Abbas in East Sumatra. The intellectual activity of Zainal Arifin Abbas’s in East Sumatra is influenced by parents, teachers, colleagues and those around him. This study examines the biography and contribution of Zainal Arifin Abbas in tradition and intellectual dynamics in East Sumatra. Applying a sociological-historical method, this study establishes that Zainal Arifin Abbas have indeed contributed very significantly in the field of education. Through his personal example, he managed to become a wise educator, initiator of the founding of the modern madrasa, and at the same time a prolific writer. He always showed enthusiasm in studying, integrating knowledge, glorifying teachers, and always giving an understanding of the urgency of religious education to the community. He is also an activist and fought for Indonesian independence.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> Mandailing, Ulama, East Sumatra, Zainal Arifin Abbas</p>