Indonesian traditionalist IUM graduate : ambivalence and identity negotiation

Abstract

Since its establishment, Saudi Arabia has recognized the role of religion in nation- building. Muhammad bin Saud, with the assistance of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab as an influential religious figure from Dariyyah, solidified his political power. The ideology of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab became the essence of the development of religious institutions in Saudi Arabia, including the Islamic University of Madinah (IUM) as a religious-based university. IUM became influential institution to spread Salafism to Indonesia, through their alumni. Their movements caused religious contestation against traditionalist Muslims. However, this phenomenon has not deterred the motivation of traditionalist Muslims to study in Madinah. This study discusses Indonesian Muslim traditionalists at the IUM in negotiating their identity with the Salafism ideology conveyed on campus, and discusses to what extent Salafism teaching in IUM influences traditionalist principles. It also discusses how they engage with the traditionalist society in Indonesia, after experiencing changes and stability in their ideologies. The study uses qualitative approach, by interviewing Indonesian traditionalist Muslim alumni of IUM. The thesis found that traditionalist Muslims at IUM exhibit various degrees of change and stability, depending on how they negotiate with the teachings there, their breadth of traditionalist knowledge, and family backgrounds. Furthermore, the thesis concludes that they have inclusive view toward Salafism ideology, and able to engage with moderate preaching towards the traditionalist society in their respective areas.