Female Ulama From Blambangan: Hajjah Azizah Sriwedari Imam

Abstract

This study explores the life and contributions of Hajjah Azizah Sriwedari Imam, a prominent female Islamic scholar from Banyuwangi, East Java, whose roles in preaching, education, and women’s empowerment have not been widely documented in academic literature. The purpose of this research is to investigate her biography, thoughts, and da’wah movements as a contribution to Islamic gender discourse and to provide a source of inspiration for modern Muslim women.

The study adopts a qualitative approach using literature review and in-depth interviews with her family and close associates. Data were gathered from biographical texts, organizational archives, and direct testimonies from her younger sister and niece. The findings reveal that Hajjah Azizah was actively involved in various levels of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organizations—IPPNU, Fatayat, Muslimat—and even served as a member of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI). She also founded early childhood education institutions such as TK Khadijah and Al-Fathimiyah Foundation, initiated cooperative movements for women, and trained female preachers (muballighah) across Indonesia. These results indicate that women's roles in Islamic preaching extend beyond the podium to encompass social engagement, education, organizational leadership, and economic empowerment. Despite not having a traditional pesantren background, Hajjah Azizah’s journey to national recognition underscores the transformative power of environment, persistence, and community involvement in shaping female Islamic authority.

This study contributes to expanding Islamic and gender discourses in Indonesia and offers a tangible example of how Muslim women can lead meaningful religious and social transformations rooted in faith and local culture.

Keywords: Female Ulama, Bnyuwangi, Hajjah Azisah Sriwedari Imam

Penelitian ini mengkaji sosok Hajjah Azizah Sriwedari Imam, seorang ulama perempuan asal Banyuwangi yang memiliki kiprah luar biasa dalam bidang dakwah, pendidikan, dan pemberdayaan perempuan, namun belum banyak terdokumentasikan dalam literatur akademik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menelusuri kehidupan, pemikiran, serta karya dan gerakan dakwah Hajjah Azizah sebagai kontribusi terhadap literatur Islam Indonesia dan inspirasi bagi perempuan Muslim masa kini.

Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi literatur serta wawancara langsung kepada keluarga dan narasumber terdekat. Data dikumpulkan dari buku biografi, dokumen organisasi, arsip lokal, serta wawancara dengan adik dan keponakan Hajjah Azizah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Hajjah Azizah aktif dalam berbagai jenjang organisasi Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), mulai dari IPPNU, Fatayat, Muslimat, hingga menjadi anggota MPR RI. Ia juga mendirikan lembaga pendidikan seperti TK Khadijah dan Yayasan Al-Fathimiyah, serta menjadi penggerak koperasi perempuan dan pelatih muballighah di berbagai wilayah Indonesia. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa keterlibatan perempuan dalam dakwah tidak hanya melalui ceramah di panggung, tetapi juga melalui keteladanan, penguatan organisasi, dan pemberdayaan sosial-ekonomi. Perjalanan hidup Hajjah Azizah yang tidak berasal dari latar belakang pendidikan pesantren, namun berhasil menjadi ulama nasional, membuktikan pentingnya lingkungan, ketekunan, dan peran sosial dalam pembentukan kapasitas keulamaan perempuan.

Penelitian ini berkontribusi dalam memperluas wacana keislaman dan keperempuanan di Indonesia, serta memberikan contoh nyata peran perempuan dalam transformasi sosial berbasis nilai-nilai keagamaan dan kebudayaan lokal.

Kata Kunci: Ulama Perempuan, Banyuwangi, Hajjah Azizah Sriwedari Imam