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The Production of Religious Space: Lived Space and the Sacred-Economic Dialectic in the Sunan Ampel Pilgrimage Area, Surabaya
No full textThis study examines the production of religious space in the Sunan Ampel area of Surabaya through a sociological-historical approach, emphasizing the concept of lived space and the dialectics between sacrality and economy. Departing from Henri Lefebvre’s theory of space production, this article argues that the sacredness of Ampel is not a static entity that is inherited ahistorically, but rather the result of social construction that continues to be produced and reproduced through ritual practices, social relations, economic activities, and collective memory that are formed historically. This research uses a qualitative method with in-depth interviews, field observations, and historical document analysis. The study’s findings show that, sociologically and historically, Ampel evolved from a religious settlement into an urban religious pilgrimage and tourism area with layers of symbolic, social, and economic meaning. The dialectic between sacredness and economics does not exist as a structural conflict of a binary nature, but rather as an everyday social experience negotiated by the actors. In the Sunan Ampel lived space, economic activities are tied to religious ethics and the moral economy, thereby supporting the sacred space’s sustainability.
Keywords: space production, lived space, sacrality, econom
Moloku Kie Raha and the Legacy of Cultural Islam: The Enduring Influence of Ternate and Tidore
Full text linkThis study critically examines the role of Moloku Kie Raha, a historical entity encompassing the four sultanates of Ternate, Tidore, Bacan, and Jailolo, with a particular focus on the Sultanates of Ternate and Tidore. By analyzing historical texts, oral traditions, cultural practices, and interviews, this research explores the transmission of cultural Islam within both the sultanate system and the broader community. It argues that these sultanates were not merely political entities adopting Islam for strategic purposes but were active agents in shaping a localized form of Islamic tradition deeply embedded in indigenous customs. The interplay between royal authority, traditional institutions, and Islamic teachings fostered a distinctive socio-religious structure that continues to shape the cultural and spiritual identity of Ternate and Tidore. In the contemporary era, these sultanates remain vital in driving social transformation through an Islamic framework. This study challenges conventional narratives of Islamization by highlighting the nuanced and dynamic role of local sultanates in shaping Islamic identity, both at the institutional and communal levels
Hamka's Philosophy of Ḥikmah in Tafsīr al-Azhar: Addressing the Crisis of Adab in Muslim Societies
Full text linkCourtesy or adab is crucial in human life as it influences many other aspects. Addressing the current adab crisis is essential to fostering a civilized society. One solution to this crisis is the application of wisdom (ḥikmah). This research analyzes Hamkas thoughts on resolving the adab crisis through ḥikmah. The study employs a literature review method with a content analysis approach, utilizing data from Hamka’s works and books, especially Tafsīr al-Azhar, and journals related to his thoughts. Data analysis involved three steps: compare, contrast, and critique. The research reveals that Hamka defines wisdom as the result of thinking that develops through deep experience and practice, which guides individuals toward truth and wisdom in living life. Hamka proposes three main approaches to obtaining wisdom: understanding the Qur’ān deeply, thinking critically, and emulating good behavior. As a solution to the crisis of adab, he emphasizes strengthening spiritual intelligence, which consists of seven main aspects: al-rūḥ, al-qalb, al-nafs, al-’aql, īmān, ‘ibādah, and adab. This study argues that spiritual intelligence is considered fundamental in maintaining mental health and forming the character of civilized and integral individuals
Kiai and Blater in Madura’s Local Politics: Islamic Authority and the Limits of Democratization in Post-Reform Bangkalan
Full text linkThis study explores local politics in Madura, Indonesia, during the early years of regional autonomy following the fall of the New Order, a period marked by the rise of civilian elites in positions previously dominated by the military. It focuses on two influential local actors—kiai (Islamic religious leaders) and blater (local strongmen)—and examines their role in shaping regional elections (Pilkada) in Bangkalan. The research aims to understand community perceptions of these elites’ involvement and its implications for democratization. Adopting a qualitative, descriptive approach, data were collected through interviews and documentation, involving kiai, blater, community leaders, party figures, academics, cultural figures, and residents from both urban and rural areas. The study draws on the theoretical frameworks of interest groups and democratization. Findings indicate that Kiai engage in politics by running for office, endorsing candidates, campaigning, and issuing religious guidance to mobilize followers, while blater employ intimidation and coercion to influence voting behavior. Although both elites are central to local elections, their participation does not advance substantive democracy; instead, it constrains political choice and undermines citizens’ autonomy. The study argues that the entanglement of religious authority and local power structures in Bangkalan illustrates a complex pattern of elite influence, highlighting the challenges of achieving genuine democratization in post-reform Indonesian regions
Political Polarization and Marketing Strategies of Pesantren Alumni in the 2024 Presidential Election
Full text linkThis study investigates the political dynamics of pesantren alumni from three influential pesantrens in East Java’s region: Pesantren Nurul Jadid Probolinggo, Pesantren Sidogiri Pasuruan, and Pesantren Salafiyah Syafi’iyah Situbondo, with fieldwork conducted in Bondowoso and Jember. Focusing on the 2024 presidential election, this research explores two key issues: the emergence of polarization among alumni groups and their adoption of political marketing strategies. Using a qualitative approach, the study finds that polarization intensified in line with divergent political preferences among the founding families of the parent pesantren. This division occurred not only across alumni networks of different pesantren origins but also within alumni of the same alma mater. The findings also show that each alumni group employed political marketing principles, combining push and pull strategies, to mobilize support and strengthen voter engagement for their preferred presidential candidate
Syeikh Nawawi al-Bantani on Zuhd: A Spiritual Remedy for Compulsive Consumerism
No full textThis study explores Shaykh Nawawi al-Bantani’s concept of zuhd as a framework for addressing compulsive shopping behavior. Rooted in materialistic tendencies, shopaholism reflects excessive and uncontrolled consumption, leading to psychological and social concerns. This qualitative research employs a literature review of Shaykh Nawawi’s works on Sufism and zuhd, analyzed through an analytical-descriptive approach. Findings indicate that, according to Shaykh Nawawi, zuhd is a psychological and spiritual state in which worldly possessions are perceived as insignificant. His concept of zuhd effectively mitigates compulsive shopping through three key principles: (a) true inner peace derives from devotion to the God rather than material wealth or status; (b) excessive attachment to possessions fosters anxiety and depression; and (c) zuhd promotes ethical wealth management in line with Islamic teachings. This study argues that Shaykh Nawawi’s zuhd provides a transformative paradigm for reducing materialistic tendencies and fostering a spiritually conscious approach to consumption. Integrating zuhd into contemporary consumer ethics can enhance financial discipline and psychological well-being, ultimately countering the detrimental effects of consumerism
Qur’anic Manuscripts, Mythmaking, and the Cultural Economy in Madura
Full text linkThis study explores how sacred Qur’anic manuscripts in Madura, Indonesia, are embedded in local mythological narratives and transformed into cultural and economic resources. Although these manuscripts are preserved as religious artifacts, they also function as “living texts” that circulate meaning and power within spiritual, cultural, and touristic contexts. The research aims to examine how local myths surrounding these manuscripts mediate between faith, authority, and contemporary cultural tourism. Using a qualitative approach that includes participant observation and semi-structured interviews with manuscript custodians, religious leaders, and visitors, the study analyzes how stories of miraculous origins—such as manuscripts written in one night or underwater—shape public perception and enhance symbolic value. The findings reveal that these narratives serve not only as expressions of belief but also as strategies of cultural preservation and commodification, turning sacred texts into heritage objects that attract visitors and generate community pride. The study contributes to a broader understanding of how religious heritage in Muslim societies is continually reinterpreted through narrative, economy, and local identity
Negotiating Gender Equality: NU Scholars’ Perceptions of Women’s Role in Sumenep
Full text linkThe 1997 National Conference of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Scholars in Lombok issued a groundbreaking fatwā permitting women to hold the position of vice president—a progressive step in advancing gender justice within Islamic discourse. However, at the grassroots level, gender segregation remains deeply entrenched, particularly in Sumenep Regency. This study explores how NU feminists in Sumenep negotiate their struggle for gender equality and how local kiai and religious scholars respond to these efforts. Employing a qualitative approach with data collected through literature review, observation, interviews, and documentation, this research is framed by Islamic feminist theory. The findings reveal that gender discourse in NU Sumenep remains weak when confronted with the religious authority of kiai and traditional scholars. Their ambivalent and skeptical responses toward gender equality activism indicate that the discourse promoted by the NU Central Board (PBNU) has not been effectively internalized at the local level. Furthermore, the absence of pesantren-based initiatives on gender awareness perpetuates gender segregation, resulting in unequal competencies and opportunities between male and female students. This study highlights the gap between NU’s progressive theological discourse and its limited cultural translation among rural communities
Minangkabau Cultural Imprints in Hamka’s Tafsīr al-Azhar: Contextualizing the Qur’an through Critical Discourse Analysis
Full text linkhis study explores how Minangkabau literary and cultural elements shaped Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah’s Tafsīr al-Azhar, particularly in the interpretation of al-Baqarah. Employing qualitative content analysis combined with Norman Fairclough’s critical discourse framework, the research examines the interplay between text production, reception, and socio-cultural context in Hamka’s exegetical method. The findings reveal that literary device—such as pantun, proverbs, metaphors, and maxims—serve as key interpretive tools, enriching the text’s aesthetic and cultural resonance. Equally significant are the Minangkabau influences, including local language, social traditions, and political references, which root Qur’anic interpretation in lived experience. This synthesis demonstrates Hamka’s capacity to integrate Islamic revelation with the cultural-linguistic heritage of the Malay-Indonesian world. The study argues that Tafsīr al-Azhar transcends local boundaries, positioning itself within the global discourse of modern Qur’anic exegesis. Hamka’s approach bridges classical interpretive traditions and contemporary cultural realities, highlighting the importance of contextual hermeneutics in making the Qur’an accessible across diverse communities. Ultimately, the study offers a model for culturally grounded tafsīr and provides a foundation for comparative analysis with other modern commentators
Zaynab al-Ghazālī’s Exegesis and Contribution to Gender Equity: A Critical Analysis
Full text linkGender discrimination remains deeply entrenched in societal structures, often perpetuated by cultural and religious frameworks. This article seeks to address this issue by examining the contributions of Zaynab al-Ghazālī, one of the few female scholars in the traditionally male-dominated field of Qur’ānic exegesis (tafsīr). Her magnum opus, Naẓarāt fī Kitāb Allāh, offers a distinctive interpretative framework on gender equity, specifically regarding the ontology of women, their creation, and the concept of qiwāmah within the family structure. This study employs qualitative library research with a descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on historical, sociological, and philosophical perspectives. To examine al-Ghazālī’s thought, it applies the gender paradigms proposed by M. Quraish Shihab and Husein Muhammad. The findings reveal that al-Ghazālī views gender equity as a core principle within an Islamic framework. Her interpretations reflect a moderate-progressive stance that bridges classical Islamic thought and contemporary gender discourse. This study contributes to the broader discourse on women’s role in Islamic scholarship and underscores the necessity of recognizing female exegetes in shaping the intellectual and theological landscape of gender studies in Islam