Scholarly Works - Islamic Studies

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14576/181

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Open Access
A Decade of Charitable Crowdfunding and Its Impacts on the Social Justice Trajectory of Islamic Philanthropy in Indonesia
(Society for South-East Asian Studies, 2023-12-31) Bhirawa Anoraga
This article aims to investigate the development of charitable crowdfunding and its impacts on Islamic philanthropy and its social justice trajectory in Indonesia. As the largest Muslim country in the world, Indonesia has thrived and undergone some legal and programmatic revolutions to promote social justice through Islamic philanthropy. However, this study demonstrates that the rapid growth of charitable crowdfunding in the last decade has some impacts on the social justice trajectory of Islamic philanthropy, particularly in the areas of inclusivity, sustainability, and governance. This study draws from the case of Kitabisa, the largest crowdfunding platform in Indonesia, by conduct-ing interviews with the founders and users and observing their online interactions on the platform and social media. This study also collects data on Muslim philanthropic Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that actively used Kitabisa to raise funds, with special attention to Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT), one of Indonesia's largest Muslim philanthropic NGOs. This study found that the trend of crowdfunding has amplified the inclusive space in Indonesian philanthropy where Muslim NGOs actively provide social services and enact collaborations with non-Muslims. However, through crowdfunding, Muslim NGOs have become more accommodating toward short-term social programs or ‘charity’. The crowdfunding trend has also raised accountability and transparency issues in Indonesian philanthropy. This study argues that the broader involvement of grassroots actors, either individuals or informal communities, through crowdfunding explains its impacts on Indonesian Islamic philanthropy’s trajectory for social justice.
Open Access
al-Ḥarāk al-ṣūfī wa al-da’wah al-insānīyyah fī Indūnīsīyā: Ḥālah al-Ḥabīb Abī Bakr al-’Aṭṭās al-Zabīdī
(Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, 2024) Syamsul Rijal; Musa Alkadzim Alhabsyi
Studies on Ba'alawi preachers in Indonesia have predominantly focused on popular figures who utilize new media and popular culture in their preaching to appeal to young Muslims. However, there has been a lack of attention given to Ba'alawi preachers who avoid publicity and prioritize humanitarian activities. This article examines the case of Ḥabīb Abū Bakr al-‘Aṭṭās al-Zabīdī (popularly known as Abuya/My Father by his followers), who has garnered a significant following across several Indonesian provinces. His followers regard him as a generous, peace-oriented Sufi who not only advocates for spreading peace and kindness but also embodies these values through humanitarian acts towards those in need, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. This article explores his mobility in business and da'wah across Indonesia and analyzes the methods he uses to distribute charities and empower Muslim communities. The case of Habib Abubakar demonstrates that Sufism transcends mere individual asceticism and detachment from worldly possessions; rather, its spiritual essence is manifested through active involvement in social and humanitarian affairs.
Open Access
Balancing orthodoxy and flexibility : substantive and accommodative approaches to women’s rights in Qaradawi's fiqh
(Faculty of Sharia & Law UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, 2024-12-31) Waskito Wibowo; Rusli Hasbi; Madi, Ahmed Abd Raziq Ali
The initiation of the minority fiqh concept for Muslims in countries with a non-Muslim majority is like a coin with two sides. On one side, it is seen as a threat to the established schools with their structured and well-defined methodologies, as it is often suspected of involving talfīq—combining opinions from various schools by selecting the most lenient fatwas. On the other hand, this concept represents an intellectual innovation aimed at helping minority Muslims remain committed to the principles of sharia amid a reality that does not fully support their religious practices. This paper critically investigates whether Qaraḍāwī adheres to a consistent methodology he designed, specifically whether he remains faithful to the principles he espouses or deviates by selectively borrowing opinions across schools. Taking some of his fatwas contained in his book entitled Fī Fiqh al-Aqalliyyāt al-Muslimahas the main object, this study argues that Qaraḍāwī, although, does talfīq in his fatwa by borrowing opinions from several ulama or schools, he consistently adheres to the methodology he established. This approach offers a legal framework that is accommodative yet rich in pragmatic nuances, resulting from a consistent synthesis of various opinions. Furthermore, on a broader scale, this concept provides a framework that balances flexibility with orthodoxy.
Open Access
Before orthodoxy; the story of Abraham's sacrifice (dzabīh) in early muslim commentaries
(UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, 2024-01-30) Azhari Andi; Hamdi Putra Ahmad
The story of Abraham's sacrifice holds significant place in Islam, and what Muslims believe about Ishmael as the intended sacrifice is not the only belief in the Muslim tradition. This paper examines the historical transformation of Abraham’s sacrifice narratives in Muslim commentaries (tafsīrs), with a focus on revealing how, when, why, and at whose hands this transformation occurred. Employing the theory of tafsir as a genealogical tradition of Walid A. Saleh and adopting a socio-historical approach, this paper investigates the evolution of the interpretation of the story of dzabīh from Isaac to Ismael and the factors contributing to this evolution. The analysis reveals that in the first four centuries of Islam, Muslim interpretations and attitudes regarding the story of dzabīh were the complete opposite of what is common today. Muslim commentators, such as al-Suddī, Ibn Juraij, Muqatil ibn Sulaiman, al-Thabarī, and al-Samarqandī, firmly believed that Isaac is dzabīh. However, Ibn Athiyyah and al-Baghawī, the commentators of the sixth century hijri, showed different responses towards this story, neutral and favoring Ismael as dzabīh. Additionally, in the eighth century Hijri, Ishmael as dzabīh gained orthodoxy and popularity, as demonstrated by Ibn Taimiyyah and Ibn Kathir. They condemned the pro-Isaac as heretical interpretation and rejected it. Even though they disagree with the proIsaac commentators, they still quoted the narrations and opinions of previous commentators by providing counter-arguments, and this is what is called tafsir as a genealogical tradition. Furthermore, power dynamics and the socio-political setting of the eighth century may have had an impact on this change in the story of dzabīh. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of Islamic interpretation, where interpretation is not necessarily static but evolves over time, shaped by historical contingencies and socio-political dynamics. This historical reevaluation illuminates the complexity of Islamic intellectual history and the fluidity of religious interpretation in the Muslim tradition.
Open Access
Between salafi and sufi : ibn taimiyyah’s critique of al-qusyairi’s views on sufism
(University of Darussalam Gontor, 2023-11-28) Hamdan Maghribi; Alfina Hidayah
This article discusses two sects that are often contrasted: Salafi and Sūfī. It focuses on the views of Ibn Taimiyyah al-Harrānī as a representative of Salafi and ‘Abd al-Karīm al-Qusyairī of Sūfī-sunnī on Sufism. By analyzing the works of Ibn Taimiyyah and al-Qusyairī on Sufism, this article explores Ibn Taimiyah’s critical notes on al-Qusyairi's views on Sufism. Ibn Taimiyyah wrote no less than thirty-eight treatises on Sufism and cited more than forty Sūfī texts in explaining and analyzing his views on Sufism. Al-Qusyairī, on the other hand, describes in detail the Sūfī figures and their views in his Risālah. He also included his Sufistic analyses in Laṭāif al-Ishārāt. Using an interpretative approach and content analysis, this article finds that Ibn Taimiyyah did not reject Sufism. He rejected the practice of Sufism that he thought was not intertwined with the Qur’ān and Sunnah. This is evident from his respect for al-Qusyairī, whom he called al-Syaikh al-Ustāż, and Mutaṣawwifah Ahl al-Kalām, a term of honor within the Ṣūfī order. Nonetheless, Ibn Taimiyyah notes that al-Qusyairī’s quotations in his work are not followed by references and explanations. In explaining the practice of zuhd, al-Qusyairī did not provide examples from the ṣahābah and tābi’īn to strengthen his argument.
Open Access
Bridging realities : navigating pop-culture media for equitable muslim portrayals through the prism of moderation in post-9/11
(Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 2024-07-17) Muhammad Nuril Fauzan
The influence of media on the formation of attitudes towards Muslims and Arabs in the period following the 9/11 attacks resulted in the propagation of harmful stereotypes and the increase in hate crimes targeting Muslims and Arabs during this time. This was also spread by the role of media, including popular culture media, in disseminating these negative narratives. Using a qualitative approach, this study aims to examine the media’s endeavours to depict Muslims in a positive portrayal and the dearth of meaningful sources documenting these empathetic endeavours through the prism of moderation, especially in post-9/11. This article argues that Evelyn Alsultany's notion of Simplified Complex Representation serves as a gateway for the media's effort to showcase Muslims and Arabs in a more nuanced way.. There are tons of instances that have been analysed from TV dramas, movies, and comics to demonstrate how the media shapes people’s perspectives of Muslims and Arabs. The article contends that media is not merely a mirror of societal views but a powerful agent capable of shaping and modifying perceptions.
Open Access
Child exploitation by parents in early marriage : case study in Cianjur West java, Indonesia
(Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry, 2023-11-30) Yayan Sopyan; Zezen Zainal Muttaqin; Cucu Solihat; Jaenal Aripin
Parents should protect their children. Child exploitation by parents is a cruel act. One form of parental deprivation of children’s rights is to marry them at an early age. In Indonesia, the rate of early marriage is still above 10% of all marriages. There is a trend of early marriage with Arab men in tourist destinations such as Puncak-Cianjur, West Java, after the increasing number of tourist visits from the Middle East. This research used a qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach to explore informant' experiences, interpret their experiences, and give meaning to their experiences. Data were collected through observation and in-depth interviews using the Snow Bowling Effect method. The results of the research were analyzed using the framework method. This research found that parents determine the occurrence of early marriage. The drivers of early marriage are economic interests and religious dogma. Parents were influenced by biyong (marriage broker) in making decisions. Biyong took advantage of half of the dowry. Meanwhile, children’s consent to marry was influenced by religious doctrines that caused them to be altruistic and follow their parents' wishes. This research recommends the government be stricter in supervising foreign tourists and socializing the dangers of early marriage and mutáh marriage with foreigners.
Open Access
Crowdfunding for inter-faith peace : youth, networked social movement, and muslim philanthropy NGOs in contemporary Indonesia
(State Institute of IslAccepted Manuscriptic Studies (IAIN) Salatiga, 2023) Bhirawa Anoraga
This study exAccepted Manuscriptines the involvement of Indonesian youth and Muslimphilanthropy NGOs in the promotion of inter-faith harmony throughcrowdfunding. Crowdfunding or online fundraising has been rapidly growing inIndonesia. It has been used to respond to various issues, Accepted Manuscriptong which is religiousviolence. Oftentimes, when radical acts happened in Indonesia, people turnedto crowdfunding to express inter-faith solidarity and support. This study drawsfrom the concept of networked social movement to explain the characteristicsof crowdfunding cAccepted Manuscriptpaigns for inter-faith harmony. This concept highlightscontemporary online movements that are spontaneous, leaderless, and temporalin nature which is distinct from the well-organized movements commonly studiedby scholars. This study employs digital ethnography on cAccepted Manuscriptpaigns that respondedto religious violence in the largest crowdfunding platform in Indonesia, Kitabisa,which is complemented by interviews with the cAccepted Manuscriptpaign initiators and Muslimphilanthropy NGOs. This article argues that the characteristics of network social movement fit with the current youth generation that is assumed to be sociallyapathetic and more immersed in developing themselves and consuming media.Nevertheless, despite the spontaneous and temporal tenets, the youth’s inter-faithmovements were able to mobilize a significant number of donations and attractMuslim NGOs that were often perceived to be sectarian to support the inter-faithcAccepted Manuscriptpaigns. The findings of this study contribute to the studies on Indonesianyouth, IslAccepted Manuscriptic philanthropy, and the state of inter-faith relations in Indonesia,which was argued to be experiencing a conservative turn.
Open Access
Defending traditional islam in Indonesia : the resurgence of hadhrami preachers, by Syamsul Rijal
(Brill, 2024-04-07) Egi Tanadi Taufik
In Defending Traditional Islam in Indonesia, Syamsul Rijal explores the dynamics of the Hadhrami Arabs and their growing popularity among young urban Muslims in contemporary Indonesia. His fieldwork was located in six cities in Indonesia, five of which are in Java, and mainly focused on Jakarta (p. 14). The book consists of seven chapters that emphasize the internal dynamics within the diasporic community, their ideological fragmentation, and their contestation with other religious individuals and groups.
Open Access
Digital media impact on sufi practices : analyzing ijāza wirid dhikr
(Faculty of Ushuluddin and Humanities, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, 2024-06-21) Ahmad Rizki; Rusdi, Hasan
This article discusses the impact of digital media on Sufi practices, specifically in the context of conducting ijāza (authorization) for wird dhikr rituals through digital platforms. Traditionally, Sufi practices such as the ijāza involve direct teaching from teacher to student. However, with the rapid development of digital media, the ijāza process has undergone significant changes. This study adopts an eclectic approach, which combines digital ethnography to study online participant engagement and a comprehensive literature review to track and measure the transformation of ijāza through digital media. Data were gathered from various sources, including books, scholarly journals, and relevant digital content related to the research topic. The findings show that the evolution of digital media has transformed the implementation of ijāza for wird dhikr from direct (traditional) to indirect transmission through online media, and it is considered valid. Yet, ijāza is not merely dealing with the process of authorization but also the transmission of blessings and spiritual knowledge from the teacher to the student, which needs close engagement and relationships that can only be achieved with direct interaction.
Open Access
Enealogy of wasaṭiyya within Indonesian society : the influence of sufism in Indonesian archipelago
(IAIN Ponorogo, 2023-11-22) Musa Alkadzim
This article examines the genealogy of wasaá¹iyya Islam in Indonesia. Historical processes of Islamization in the pre-Indonesia context have influenced how the Muslim majority of Indonesia demonstrates its moderate expression from historical periods to contemporary situations. The establishment of the Indonesian state has the heredity derivation from the past Islamization. The role of Sufism in the processes of Islamization is addressed here. Ash’arism or Aswaja paved the theological way for wasaá¹iyya by choosing a position of moderation between rationalist and conservative extremist schools of thought. On a deeper level, this article concludes that the Sufi foundations of the early Islamization period are essential for establishing wasaá¹iyya in Indonesia. When Pancasila, as the nation-state philosophy, incorporates cultural elements acknowledged by Muslim Ulama, it is evident that any attempt to undermine or pervert wasaá¹iyya Islam in Indonesia will finally fail. This research applied qualitative methodology with an exploratory research design. The data were collected using literature studies from books, journals, and related articles.
Open Access
Forced marriage and sex trafficking under the guise of nikah siri in Indonesia
(Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, 2024) Zezen Zaenal Mutaqin; Yayan Sopyan
Prostitution, forced marriage, and sex trafficking have long been practiced in the Puncak area of West Java, Indonesia. The practice is condoned not only by the surrounding community but also by state officials. This paper resulted from our field research, interviews, and observation in the Puncak area. In addition, it includes an extensive literature review, which encompasses the study of Indonesian and international law regulation, academic writing, and media reports. This paper seeks to uncover the reasons why the practices of sex trafficking and forced marriage are tolerated and what has led to this approval. By dwelling on legal, historical, and anthropological studies, this paper argues that the practices are tolerated because they hide behind a thick veil of cultural-religious justification and are obscured by legal tricks/stratagems, which we call 'trafficking framing.' This framing conceals and camouflages sex trafficking and forced marriage under accepted legal-cultural practices. This paper seeks to uncover the veil of trafficking framing and reveal that the practice of secret marriage (nikah siri) in Puncak is nothing but sex trafficking.
Open Access
Fragmentation of Dakwah Media: Exploring Exclusive Islam in Indonesia Post-Reform Popular Islamic Novels
(Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Mataram, 2023-06-29) Muhamad Taufik Kustiawan; Mhd. Rasidin; Doli Witro; Darti Busni; Mufti Labib Jalaluddin
This article aims to highlight Islamic exclusivism in the form of popular Islamic novelS for children’s reading books in Indonesia after the reform of 1998. Building on the media theory of Gill Branston and Roy Stafford, this study explains Islamic pop novels as Islamic educational materials from a semiotic approach, structuralism, and critical discourse analysis. In particular, this study uses qualitative research methods by descriptively analyzing the reading of Islamic pop novels spreading in the Qur’anic Education Centre in Central Java. The results showed that since the Reformation, the movement used books, newsletters, magazines, and children’s readings of Islamic pop novels to shape the religious thoughts of urban Muslim children and youth in Indonesia. There is hardly a story related to diversity, the value of tolerance, and mutual respect between religious people in those materials. The awareness of religious comprehension in children's reading seems exclusive. It must be realized by various parties that the media utilizing Islamic literature is very influential on the growth and development of children's religious thinking in the educational space in the metropolis.
Open Access
From fatwa to social media : unleashing global muslim solidarity through fatwa and digital activism movement
(Jurusan Komunikasi Penyiaran Islam, Fakultas Dakwah dan Komunikasi, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, 2024-06-30) Muhammad Fahmi Reksa Alfarisi; Ahmad Nashikhul Huda; Almeyda Asharsyira
The Israel-Palestine war has brought an enormous amount of attention to religious tension, global solidarity, and humanitarian movement in the Muslim world. This study investigates the underlying factor behind the fatwa issuance and its impact on the new trend of global solidarity in the digital sphere. The theory of mediation of meaning and new media by Hoover has been used to navigate the Fatwa of the Indonesian Ulama Council. This fatwa, regarding boycotts, divestments, sanctions movement, and the spread of Julid Fisabilillah digital activism, is a significant factor in shaping global Muslim solidarity. The digital activism is conducted by Indonesian and Malaysian netizens on specific social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and Telegram. This paper aims to contribute to the promotion of solidarity, compassion, and moral principles as fundamental aspects of humaneness. The research methods involved using a desk research methodology to collect data by analyzing scientific papers, digital media such as news, social media platforms, and literature reviews. The results indicated that this new trend of movements served as a means of expressing concern and advocating for humanity's values. It also aimed to create social justice and beneficial impact through humanitarian aid and establish emotional and moral connections to the Palestinian cause. Subsequently, the elements of religious tension, intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity, have intertwined roles in influencing this situation.
Open Access
From Villain to Hero : The Role of Disengaged Terrorists in Social Reintegration Initiatives
(Cogitatio Press, 2024-05-09) Haula Noor
Convicted terrorists released from prison often experience social stigma, exclusion, and difficulties reintegrating into society. Authorities have identified the utility of using formerly convicted and released terrorists or disengaged terrorists as an intermediary to help and support terrorist inmates as they go through social reintegration processes. This article explores their role as an intermediary who advocates for fair treatment and rights for their fellow ex-inmates, assisting families and helping them undergo the reintegration process. This research involved interviews with members of three foundations: Yayasan Persadani, Hubbul Wathon Indonesia 19, and DeBintal. By analysing the narrative of the participants, this study found that social reintegration efforts led by disengaged terrorists fostered a sense of social belonging and connectedness among ex-inmates. In addition, these foundations offer valuable assistance to terrorist inmates while ensuring community safety. They serve as a reliable support system during times of need and act as a communication bridge between them and the government. This framework positions these foundations as integral components in addressing concerns about the effectiveness of government-led integration initiatives. The approach adopted by these foundations has positive effects on preventing the re-engagement of released inmates with extremist networks. Despite the need to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives comprehensively, efforts made by these foundations provide potential for societal resilience against terrorism.
Open Access
Gender equality in Islamic marriage law through the maqāṣid al-sharī’a perspective : a study on woman-initiated divorce (cerai gugat) in Indonesia
(Center for Gender and Child Studies, Institute for Research and Community Services (LP2M), Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, 2024-04-30) Muhammad Mufti
The presence of gender equality issues in Islamic family law has already become a new challenge faced by Muslims to manifest and uphold the higher purpose of sharī’a (maqāṣid al-sharī’a). Thus, maqāṣid al-sharī’a as a theoretical framework should be able to accept adjustment depending on the circumstance. This article aims to discuss the notion of gender equality in maqāṣid al-sharī’ah perspective, which is focused on two research questions, namely what is the perspective of maqāṣid al-sharī’a on gender equality discourse, especially in Islamic marriage law, and how can the reform of Islamic marriage law in the practice of divorce support the realization of a new paradigm of maqāṣid al-sharī’a to achieve justice. Using woman-initiated divorce (cerai gugat) in recent Indonesia as a case study and incorporating a normative legal approach along with the Islamic feminism theory proposed by Amina Wadud, the article concludes that the maqāṣid al-sharī’a applied in the Muslim legal tradition demonstrates the flexibility of Islamic law in adapting to various demands and circumstances. In the context of Islamic family law in Indonesia, it can be proven by the presence of woman-initiated divorce (cerai gugat) which has never been done before. It became a manifestation of the ability of maqāṣid al-sharī’a to reconcile contemporary issues such as the notion of gender equality.
Open Access
Gus Yahya and the NU’s new path : note on the 34th congress
(Pusat Pengkajian Islam dan Masyarakat (PPIM) Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, 2022) Zezen Zaenal Mutaqin
The 34th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Lampung was organized in an unusual situation. It was the first kind of NU congress organized in the era of a global pandemic. The date of congress itself was a subject of controversy and debated by competing candidates due to the lockdown, a standard measure taken by the government to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus. There was even an idea to postpone the congress altogether and asked K.H. Said Aqil Siradj, the incumbent leader, to stay indefinitely until the situation is back to normal. However, after a tussle and negotiation, finally, all factions agreed that the congress would be organized at the initial date planned by the Central Board of NU (Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama, PBNU), which was at the end of December (22-23 December 2021). At that time, the case of Covid-19 was relatively low, and the gap was perfect for a congress.
Open Access
Hate speech in cyberspace : fueling the rejection of rohingya refugees in Indonesia
(LP2M K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid State Islamic University, 2024-03-05) Haidar Masyhur Fadhil; Rizkiyatul Imtyas
This research aims to trace and analyze how negative sentiments towards Rohingya refugees are disseminated on Social Media Platform X. This phenomenon is increasingly concerning as it involves not only negative sentiments but also the spread of hoaxes that can lead to discrimination and hatred. The study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analysis method, focusing on content analysis of hate narratives emerging on Social Media Platform X. Collected data include comments, posts, and various forms of negative content targeting Rohingya refugees. I argue that hate speech towards Rohingya refugees tends to originate from anonymous fanbase accounts. The negative narratives from these accounts successfully shape public opinion and cultivate a xenophobic attitude among Indonesian netizens on Social Media Platform X. Furthermore, this hate speech contributes to the creation of a double standard between the issues of Palestine and Rohingya on Social Media Platform X, potentially influencing society's perception and attitude towards both issues.
Open Access
Intertwining beauty and piety : cosmetics, beauty treatments, and ḥalāl lifestyle in urban Indonesia
(Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Mataram, 2023-06-12) Yanwar Pribadi; Muhammad Adlin Sila
This article discusses the intertwinement of beauty and piety among middle-class Muslim women in urban Indonesia through the use of cosmetics and beauty treatments within the broader trends of ḥalāl lifestyle. It uses an anthropological approach with case studies in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, and Serang, the capital city of Banten Province. Jakarta and Serang were chosen because Jakarta is a picture-perfect example of an older area characterized by the abundance of middle-class Muslims and the vehemence of ḥalāl lifestyle, while Serang represents a newer area in this regard. Moreover, this article explores the understanding and practices of religious rituals, as well as the responses of urban middle-class Muslim women towards commodified goods and services, consumerism behavior, and communal piety. We argue that the use of cosmetics and beauty treatments has become one of the most glaring public expressions that has concurrently influenced the way urban middle-class Muslim women perceive themselves, beauty, and piety. In addition, we contend that the understanding and practices of beauty and piety are becoming increasingly complex in urban areas. Finally, we maintain that ḥalāl lifestyle has played an important role in strengthening Islamic identity in contemporary Indonesia.
Open Access
Islamic leadership contestation : exploring the practices of conservative islamic movements in Indonesia
(Center for Research and Community Service (LP2M) in cooperation with the Postgraduate Program of UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, 2023-08) Muhamad Taufik Kustiawan; Mhd. Rasidin; Doli Witro; Darti Busni; Mufti Labib Jalaluddin
This paper describes the political contestation in the election of leaders that has occurred in the last five years in Indonesia. Since the reformation era, conservative Islamic movements have gained wide freedom to spread Islamic political ideology such as the idea of upholding Islamic law. This was clearly seen in the 2017 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election and 2019 Presidential Election, where the conservative Islamic movement voiced practical political aspirations by involving the role of religion. The case that happened to Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) who was suspected of committing blasphemy at the end of 2016, turned into a protest movement that held “Aksi Bela Islam I, II, III” (Action for Defending Islam I, II, III) which was able to mobilize all elements of religious organizations in Indonesia. This movement is also supported by the role of social media which adds to the massive Islamic populism movement to promote the enforcement of Islamic law through the political stage. This is a qualitative research that prioritizes bibliographic sources. The results of this study indicate that the voices of Muslims who are involved in the “Action to Defend Islam” add to the success of the conservatism process which has a dichotomy of political interests to realize religious authoritarianism by using the Qur’anic verses. However, this study also explains the characteristics of the attitudes of leaders in the history of Islamic civilization who uphold egalitarianism that does not conflict with the democratic system because the responsibility of a leader is to create prosperity and justice for all mankind.