Cultivating piety in the urban landscape : a study on the spiritual odyssey of Salafi women in Jakarta

Abstract

This thesis aims to shed light on piety cultivation among Salafi women through their engagement in studies hosted by the Nurul Iman Mosque in Blok M Square. This study investigates Salafi women's experiences after attending regular studies and the role of Nurul Iman Mosque as a center for spirituality and Sunnah studies for urban areas in nurturing Salafi women's piety. This thesis investigates the subjectivity, agency, and ethical forms of Salafi women who frequently attend sermons at mosques using Saba Mahmood's Politics of Piety theory. This study involves four months of fieldwork (March to June). Data were gathered by participant observation and interviews with 26 persons, including DKM Nurul Iman Mosque Management, Blok M Square Management, a trader, and 23 female congregants. Using a qualitative research technique, including interviews and observations, this study attempts to fully understand the growth of piety among urban Salafi women in mosque settings, capturing their lived experiences and explaining the variables that form their spiritual journeys. This study argues that Salafi women who actively participate in mosque studies have a profoundly positive impact on their own piety, spirituality, and overall well-being. The study reveals that mosque studies act as a catalyst for change, nourishing the soul and creating a strong bond with God. These women receive comfort, inspiration, and information that strengthens their religious commitment through the numerous studies offered. Mosques serve as social gathering places that promote a sense of sisterhood and belonging while providing a safe area for spiritual inquiry and self-improvement. This study also emphasizes the value of mosque studies in motivating urban Salafi women to reflect on and enhance their lives. Through sermon teachings and reminders, women are encouraged to evaluate their behavior and strive for ongoing growth in pursuing piety.