Ilmu Ushuluddin is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing critical and innovative scholarship in the field of Islamic theology. It explores the evolving discourse of Islamic knowledge, practice, and authority across historical periods and contemporary contexts. The journal invites contributions that engage substantively with Islam as an intellectual, ethical, and lived tradition. While rooted in classical disciplines—such as Quranic exegesis (tafsīr), ḥadīth studies, theology (kalām), philosophy, and Sufism (taṣawwuf)—the journal encourages new approaches that investigate texts and practices through modern critical perspectives.
RECONSTRUCTING “NASIONALISME” WITHIN QUR’ANIC EXEGESIS: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF AHMAD HASSAN’S TAFSIR AL-FURQAN
This study examines Ahmad Hassan’s interpretation of ‘Nasionalisme’ in Tafsir Al-Furqan by employing Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). It aims to analyze how discourses of ‘nasionalisme’—particularly those concerning love for the homeland and obedience to political authority—are constructed, negotiated, and legitimized within a Qur’anic exegetical framework. Using qualitative library research, the primary sources consist of Tafsir Al-Furqan and Ahmad Hassan’s Islam dan Kebangsaan, while secondary sources include scholarly books, academic journals, and other relevant works. In terms of methodology, this study applies Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of CDA, encompassing textual analysis, discursive practice, and sociocultural practice. The findings demonstrate that Ahmad Hassan constructs a form of religiously grounded “Nasionalisme” through conditional theological framing. Love for the homeland is articulated as a legitimate Islamic value insofar as it remains consistent with tawḥīd and sharī‘ah, while obedience to political leaders if it aligns with Islamic law. From a discursive perspective, Ahmad Hassan’s interpretation functions as an alternative to the dominant secular nationalist discourse that appear during the presidency of Soekarno. His exegetical strategy reveals an effort to reconstruct ‘nasionalisme’ not as an absolute political loyalty, but as a moral and religious commitment oriented toward justice, social responsibility, and resistance to ideological domination. By positioning ‘nasionalisme’ within Islamic normative boundaries and Indonesia’s socio-political context, this study contributes to the broader discourse on Qur’anic exegesis and the dynamic relationship between Islam, ‘nasionalisme’, and the nation-state in Indonesia.
Copyright (c) 2026 M. Khai Hanif Yuli Edi Z https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
RECONCEPTUALIZING LOYALTY: IBN KHALDUN’S THOUGHT AND ITS RELEVANCE TO MODERN MANAGEMENT
The loyality has become a strategic issue in modern management, particularly amid the dynamics of globalization, digitalization, and the growing prevalence of transactional employment relationships. This article aims to analyze the concept of loyalty in Ibn Khaldun’s thought through the notion of ‘aṣabiyyah (social solidarity) and to examine its relevance within the context of contemporary management and human resource management. This study employs a qualitative literature-based approach by critically examining Ibn Khaldun’s seminal work, Muqaddimah, alongside modern management literature addressing loyalty, organizational commitment, and leadership. The findings indicate that loyalty in Ibn Khaldun’s perspective is dynamic and deeply rooted in social bonds, justice, ethical leadership, and collective purpose, which conceptually corresponds with the notion of affective commitment in modern management theory. However, this study also identifies inherent tensions between morally grounded solidarity as articulated in ‘aṣabiyyah and contemporary managerial practices that tend to emphasize material incentives, individualism, and instrumental rationality. The main contribution of this article lies in the development of a conceptual framework that integrates Islamic values—such as justice, ihsān, and deliberation (shūrā)—into modern human resource management as an alternative approach to strengthening employee loyalty and organizational commitment in the digital and globalized era. Accordingly, Ibn Khaldun’s thought is shown to be not merely of historical significance, but also to offer an ethical and humanistic foundation for contemporary organizational management.
Copyright (c) 2025 ILMU USHULUDDIN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
RESURGENCY OF SUFI ISLAM IN INDONESIA: FROM THE PERIPHERY TO THE CENTER
This article is about the re-emergence of Sufi Islam in Indonesia, which is a huge turnaround from the periphery towards the core of spiritual and social life. Based on a literature review, the article discovers that Sufism has been revitalized in the following four areas: (1) doctrinal renovation through the Neo-Sufism paradigm, (2) reformatting of tarekat's social spaces in education, economic empowerment, and healthcare services, (3) infiltration of Sufi values into cyber culture through social media and online da'wah, and (4) Sufism as a type of social and cultural capital that determines public morals and social cohesion. Based on the above discoveries, the article confirms that Sufism has survived and has become a spiritual and social force that is responsive to the current challenges as well as strengthening the strengthen the weak version of Islam and the values of Islam Nusantara in the urban society in Indonesia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Budi Rahman Hakim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
TRANSFORMATION OF KAILI TRIBE RITUALS POST-ISLAMIZATION: INTEGRATING ISLAMIC VALUES INTO LOCAL TRADITIONS
The post-Islamization transformation of the Kaili tribe in Central Sulawesi led to significant changes in traditional rituals, especially Pompoura and Disaster Prevention, originally based on animism. This study explores the tribe's adaptation to Islamic influences while balancing the preservation of ancestral traditions and the tension it caused with traditional elders. Using a qualitative approach with descriptive methods, the research involved in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The results indicate that these rituals have been reinterpreted to align with Islamic teachings while maintaining social elements that reinforce community solidarity. This study provides practical contributions to religious leaders and traditional figures in managing cultural change, offering solutions that balance religious values and local traditions. Future research directions could explore other communities to broaden the scope and delve deeper into similar cultural resistance dynamics, focusing on cultural and religious negotiations to create innovative solutions that balance tradition and modernity.
THE LIFE BEFORE ADAM: Al-ṬABATABA’IS PERSPECTIVE IN Al-MIZAN
This study aims to explore life on Earth before Adam was sent down to it. It employs a qualitative method with a focus on thematic analysis from the perspective of al-Ṭabāṭabā'ī as presented in his tafsir work, al-Mīzān fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān. According to the Iranian exegete, the dialogue between the Angels and Allah recorded in Surah al-Baqarah verse 30 indicates the existence of living beings on Earth before the creation of Adam. His interpretation of Surah Fuṣṣilat verse 25, al-Nūr verse 45, and al-Nisā’ verse 1 reveals the beings that were present prior to Adam’s descent, namely jinn, animals, and prehistoric humans categorized within the hominidae family. By applying the grounded theory approach, this study finds that al-Ṭabāṭabā'ī rejects the theory of macroevolution of the human body, as reflected in his interpretation of the phrase nafs wāḥidah in Surah al-Nisā’ verse 1. There, he affirms that all humans originated from this one soul, which he identifies as Adam and Eve. In other words, humans today do not have a genealogical connection with any ancient humans, and therefore have never undergone significant changes in their bodies because since Adam, the first human created, he was already in the most perfect physical condition.
HADITH IN DIGITAL SPACE: AN INITIAL MAPPING
The development of the digital world and the proliferation of virtual spaces now occupy almost half of a modern person's day. In 2024, more than 65% of the Indonesian population will be connected to the internet and accessing various social media platforms. Every day, more than three hours of their time will be spent accessing information in the virtual world. This reality has changed many things, including the way people access, understand and practice religious information, including the Prophetic traditions. Therefore, various researches and studies have been conducted to observe this new phenomenon. This study will generally capture the extent to which research and studies on the circulation of Prophetic traditions in the digital space have been conducted. Using the systematic literature review technique, this article will map the development of the discourse, the variety of dissemination, and the map of studies that have been conducted with regard to hadith in the digital space. By observing all studies that focus on digital media platforms, this article finds that the development of hadith discourse in the digital world only grew exponentially in 2021 and was dominated by the discourse of authority and reception.
THE SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONAL POWER OF IBN MUJAHID IN THE FORMATION OF THE QIRĀ’ĀT
The Canonization of the Seven Qirāʾāt by Ibn Mujāhid (d. 324 AH) represents a pivotal effort in disciplining the diverse recitations of the Qur’an during the classical Islamic period. Prior to Ibn Mujāhid, there existed a wide array of qirāʾāt, but he proposed a restriction to seven recitations deemed authentic. This article analyzes Ibn Mujāhid’s attempt at standardizing the qirāʾāt through the lens of Serge Moscovici’s social psychology, particularly his theories of social representation, minority influence, and ideological conflict. Through the theoretical framework of social representation, this study demonstrates that the Seven Qirāʾāt are not merely the result of scholarly codification, but a form of social construction shaped by the authority of religious scholars and supported by broader socio-political dynamics. Drawing on the concept of minority influence, the article explores how Ibn Mujāhid, as an intellectual figure, played a crucial role in shifting the majority’s perception and establishing a widely accepted standard of qirāʾāt. Furthermore, the article argues that the standardization of qirāʾāt is part of a broader ideological conflict in Islamic history, involving tensions between preserving diversity and the necessity of uniformity in Qur’anic recitation. In conclusion, Ibn Mujāhid’s endeavor to formalize the Seven Qirāʾāt should be understood as a product of social construction shaped by intellectual, social, political, and religious dynamics, rather than merely a philological phenomenon.
RELIGION STUDIES IN THE DIGITAL AGE: MAPPING THEORIES, METHODOLOGIES, AND APPROACHES IN DIGITAL RELIGION STUDIES
This study aims to identify and explore trends in Digital Religion Studies, focusing on mapping the development of theories, methodologies, and approaches within this field. The research highlights the theoretical and methodological frameworks applied in analyzing the intersections of religion, media, and digital culture. Employing a qualitative approach through library research, this study adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method supplemented by thematic analysis. Based on a rigorous process of data identification and selection using inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study analyzed 41 journal articles and book chapters relevant to Digital Religion Studies. The findings reveal three key insights. First, the theoretical perspectives utilized in this field are predominantly influenced by media and communication theories, particularly those associated with the “Campbell Circle,” including theories of mediation, hypermediation, mediatization, deep mediatization, and the Religious-Social Shaping of Technology (RSST). Second, from a methodological perspective, qualitative approaches dominate the field, with limited engagement in quantitative methods. Most studies rely on secondary data from library research to build theoretical or conceptual arguments. Third, thematically, researchers tend to focus on central topics in Digital Religion Studies, such as rituals, communities, identity, and authority. The analysis underscores a predominance of studies addressing global or developed country contexts, with minimal exploration of local phenomena, particularly in Indonesia. This indicates that Digital Religion Studies has substantial potential for further development, especially in bridging the gap between global and local perspectives.
A STUDY OF ASYNONYMY: MUHAMMAD SHAHRUR'S ALTERNATIVE INTERPRETATION OF QS. AL-NŪR (24): 3
This study examines the principle of asynonymy—the idea that every word in the Qur’an possesses a distinct and non-interchangeable meaning—within the hermeneutical framework of Muhammad Shahrur, a contemporary Islamic thinker known for his reformist and modernist approach to Qur’anic interpretation. The focal point of this research is Surah An-Nur verse 3, exploring how Shahrur’s semantic method offers a significantly different reading from traditional exegetical understandings. While classical interpretations often view this verse as a moral and legal prohibition against marriage between fornicators and polytheists, Shahrur reinterprets the terms zānī, zāniyah, and mushrik as having specific, non-synonymous meanings. He argues that these terms reflect broader ethical concerns such as mutual consent, human dignity, and interpersonal integrity, rather than rigid legal or theological classifications. This reinterpretation carries far-reaching implications for Islamic ethics, particularly in the realms of sexual conduct, social justice, and gender equality. By engaging in a critical dialogue between classical tradition and contemporary thought, this study demonstrates how linguistic precision can open new pathways for understanding the Qur’an in ways that are socially and ethically relevant in the modern context.
IQBAL'S POLITICAL THOUGHT AND THE PROBLEM OF PUBLIC ISLAM
This paper explores the political philosophy of Muhammad Iqbal, an Indo-Pakistani thinker, poet, and early proponent of Pakistan's creation. Iqbal’s work is contextualized within the broader modern Islamic response to Western domination, modernization, and cultural tensions. Rejecting Western nationalism and secularism, he envisioned an Islamic political framework rooted in the unity of God (Tawhid), which emphasized equality, solidarity, and freedom. His approach synthesized Islamic heritage with Western philosophical thought, forming a unique blend that aimed to adapt modernity within an Islamic ethos. Iqbal's critique of conventional Islamic practices and advocacy for authenticity highlight his efforts to reshape Muslim identity and statehood. Therefore, Iqbal’s political thought is also viewed within the framework of the concept of “public Islam”. However, the actualization of his ideals in Pakistan remains fraught with socio-economic, ethnic, and political challenges, revealing a gap between his vision and the contemporary state of the nation. This article uses a historical approach with a library research method, based both on Muhammad Iqbal's own writings and on studies of his thoughts by Muslim and Western scholars.
THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF MARRIAGE IN THE QURANIC EXEGESIS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TAFSĪR AL-ṬABARĪ, AL-KASHSHĀF, AND FĪ ẒILĀL AL-QUR'ĀN
This study aims to compare the interpretations of verses recommending marriage by exegetical scholars who lived as bachelors. The research will identify differences in their interpretations and assess whether their status as bachelors influenced their interpretations, potentially creating bias. The methodology used is qualitative research with content analysis, utilizing primary data sources from the tafsīr works of al-Ṭabarī, al-Zamakhsharī, and Sayyid Quṭb, as well as secondary data from other supporting literature. This study employs two approaches: a methodological and a theoretical approach. Methodologically, the study uses the methods of comparative exegesis (tafsīr muqarān), thematic exegesis (tafsīr mauḍū’ī), and analytical exegesis (tahlīl), while also applying both textual and contextual approaches. Theoretically, the study applies the principles of exegesis (al-dakhīl fi tafsīr). The findings of this study indicate that there are differences in the interpretation of verses recommending marriage among the exegetes who lived as bachelors. The interpretations of al-Ṭabarī and Sayyid Quṭb on marriage-related verses were not influenced by their status as bachelor scholars. However, al-Zamakhsharī’s interpretation of the same verses appears to have been influenced by his condition as a bachelor scholar.
This research departs from the empirical-epistemological fact that there are ideas about fear stored in memory that do not originate from any experience. This fact is based on data that researchers obtained through observations of people who are fear of heights and depths of water. From these empirical facts, two basic assumptions result, firstly, the idea of fear comes from impulses in the mind itself before experiencing it. Second, the idea of fear comes from sensations or impressions after experiencing it. From the differences between these two basic assumptions, there has also become an academic debate around epistemologies that separates Cartesian rationalism and Humean empiricism. For the Cartesian group, ideas originate from consciousness (cogito) as part of the activity and impulse of the mind so that the truth is clear and distinct. This means that the ideas in the mind itself are clear and distinct. Meanwhile, for the Humean group, ideas originate from copies of certain impressions as part of experience activities so that they are clearer and more alive. This means that ideas in the mind themselves are vague because they are copies of impressions. From the academic debate between the two major groups in the philosophy of knowledge, which helps researchers to clarify the idea of fear stored in memory.
TECHNOLOGY IN ISLAMIC THOUGHT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
This article discusses the role of technology in classical and contemporary Islamic thought and its implications for human resource management (HRM). In classical Islamic thought, principles such as justice (adl), trust (amanah), and consultation (syura) serve as ethical foundations that guide the management of society and organizations in a fair and wise manner. This thought teaches that technology should be used for the welfare of the community and should not contradict Islamic moral values. Meanwhile, contemporary Islamic thought adapts these concepts to the development of modern technology, emphasizing the importance of innovation that brings social and economic benefits, as well as prioritizing justice and transparency in its implementation. In the context of HR management, the integration of classical and contemporary Islamic thought allows for the use of technology to enhance efficiency, accountability, and employee empowerment without compromising ethical principles. The use of tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) for recruitment and performance evaluation, as well as cloud-based management platforms, can help create a management system that is more transparent, efficient, and equitable. This article also discusses the challenges in implementing technology that aligns with Islamic values, such as personal data protection and reducing bias in technology-based systems. In conclusion, the integration of classical and contemporary Islamic thought in technology-based human resource management not only promotes organizational efficiency but also ensures that technology is used for the benefit of the community, in accordance with the principles of justice, trust, and consultation in Islam.
REGULATING RELIGIOUS HETERODOXIES IN CONTEMPORARY INDONESIA
This article delves into a discussion about how the Indonesian government, specifically the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag RI), regulated the handling of problematic religious movements and groups in Indonesia in 2017. It also aims to investigate whether the 2013 fatwa issued by the Indonesia Council of Ulama (MUI), which consists of religious scholars and holds significant influence, played a pivotal role in shaping this regulatory framework. Both of these documents were issued in response to the actions of individuals and groups that were perceived to have crossed the line of acceptability or violated the core beliefs of mainstream religious groups in Indonesia. They both outline key principles aimed at preventing any activities, teachings, or movements that strayed beyond the boundaries of legitimate dissent and encroached upon the sacred aspects of religion. In essence, the primary theme running through both documents is the preservation of mainstream religious orthodoxy. This reflects the government's and the dominant religious group's efforts to control and closely monitor any groups that appear to deviate from mainstream beliefs. The government and the majority religious community are viewed as the protectors of orthodoxy, and they are unhesitant in restricting individuals or groups accused of being "problematic" or "deviant" from participating in the public sphere.
THE HERMENEUTICS OF AL-SYAUKANI: THE GRAVE AND THE BARZAKH IN FATḤ AL-QADĪR
This article aims to examine Al-Shawkani's interpretation in Al-Shawkani's hermeneutic theory in Tafsir Fathkhul Qadir eschatological verses as well as the implications of the theory and its application to various categorization models of interpretation studies. Using a qualitative literature methodology, it was found that Al-Shawkani's hermeneutics was applied to verses about the graves and the barzakh. This study produces conclusions. First, al-Shawkānī's hermeneutics is built on the principle of convergence between riwāyah and dirāyah. Viewed from the perspective of triadic structures in hermeneutics, "riwāyah" represents the authority of the author, while "dirāyah" represents the authority of the text. The convergence of riwāyah and dirāyah makes al-Shawkānī's interpretation rely on inclusive, egalitarian, and retrospective literalism. Second, al-Shawkānī applies hermeneutical principles consistently to his interpretation of the graves and the barzakh in the Qur'an. Meanwhile, in terms of the history of hermeneutics, what al-Shawkānī does is not far from the discussions that appear in classical hermeneutics, namely in the form of interpretation theory, philological methods, or linguistic understanding methods.
SPIRITUALITY TO UNDERSTAND PLURALITY: DIASPORA PATH TO GOD
This article aims to explain the meaning of spirituality which is then linked to the plurality of religions, both of which intersect and are interconnected. The connection between the two becomes a way to understand that natural reality is created by the law of plurality, multi-variety. The consequence of this diversity, more specifically in religion, is that it gives rise to a real plurality of teachings, values, understandings and differences, which are not only different but also conflict with one another. Thus, each religious follower understands plurality as a path to God. It can be concluded that by using spirituality glasses to see plurality, the perspective on and for ' the others' does not clash one religion with another religion from any aspect. Religious competition no longer seeks to increase the 'quantity' of the number of adherents, but rather increases the 'quality' of output from each religious teaching.
CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF TERM PEMIMPEN IN TAFSĪR TĀJ AL-MUSLIMĪN BY MISBAH MUSTHOFA
Abstrak: Al-Qur'an, sebagai sumber utama ajaran Islam, telah menarik perhatian luas untuk diperdalam. Berbagai tafsir Al-Qur’an pun bermunculan, berusaha menjelaskan isi ajaran tersebut dalam beragam bentuk. Namun, penafsiran Al-Qur’an selalu terpengaruh oleh konteks sosial, politik, dan budaya sang mufassir. Sebagai contoh, Tafsir Tāj al-Muslimīn karya Misbah Musthofa, lahir dari dialog dengan budaya pesantren Indonesia, menggunakan aksara Arab Pegon. Dalam tafsirnya, Misbah tidak hanya memberikan kritik terhadap masalah keagamaan, tetapi juga menyoroti masalah-masalah pemerintahan, seperti kebijakan pendidikan yang dianggap tidak sesuai yang sengaja ditujukan kepada soeharto dan menteri pendiddikan masa orde baru. Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan penulis dengan tafsir kontekstual dan analisis wacana kritis untuk mengurai teks terkait dengan dinamika kekuasaan dalam konteks sosial-politik dan budaya. Penelitian ini menyoroti wacana dalam tafsir terhadap teks-teks kepemimpinan, seperti pada tafsiran QS. Al-Baqarah ayat 29 yang menyoroti wacana kata “pemimpin” pada aspek pendidikan. Melalui penelitiannya, Misbah menegaskan bahwa tidak seharusnya ada pemisahan antara ilmu umum dan ilmu agama. Kitab Tafsir Tāj al-Muslimīn menunjukkan bahwa wacana dalam tafsir memiliki dimensi kritis politik yang bermanfaat bagi masyarakat dan mendorong kemajuan dalam dunia penafsiran.
THE MAQASIDI APPROACH IN ISLAMIC LEGISLATION ACCORDING TO IBN 'ASHUR IN AL-TAHRIR WA AL-TANWIR
This study aims to reveal the crystallization of Islamic law by the Prophet Muhammad SAW who used the maqashidi method which emphasizes the maqashid of Islamic law and the maqashid of the Qur'an. This study uses library research and thematic interpretation methods. This research method uses aspects of library research with data sources of literacy related to manhaj maqashidi and tafsir tahrir wa tanwir as well as works around maqasid sharia and maqasid Al-Qur'an. This study reveals the crystallization of Islamic law by the Prophet Muhammad SAW using the interpretation of Tahrir wa Tanwir, including: 1) protecting religion, 2) protecting the soul, 3) protecting reason, 4) protecting descendants, 5) protecting property. The maqasidi method used by the Prophet Muhammad SAW in crystallizing Islamic law emphasizes the oneness of Allah, the sanctity of man, and human civilization.
NAṢR HĀMID ABŪ ZAYD AND SAHIRON SYAMDUDDIN'S HERMENEUTICAL INTERPRETATION ON VERSE OF JIHĀD (Al-ANKABŪT/29: 69)
The verses of the Qur'an interpreted by the commentators, both classical and modern, continue to experience changes and developments. This is done to achieve the goal of the Qur'an which is ṣho>liḥ li kulli zama>n wa makan. It is not surprising that the methods of interpreting the Qur'an are very diverse in order to increase the intensity of academic research to obtain variations in the meaning of the Qur'an in an integrative manner. This study focuses on the meaning of Jihad as stated in QS. Al-Ankabut: 69. This study discusses the interpretation of two figures, Hermenutika Sahiron Syamsuddin and Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd. The questions that will be examined by this paper are how do the two figures think in interpreting the verses of jihad and how is the analysis of the interpretation of the verses of jihad by the two figures? To answer these questions, the author uses a qualitative research type, while the nature of this research is descriptive-analytical. The method used to process and analyze the data in this study is a combination of deductive-inductive-comparative. The results of this study reveal that both figures deny the existence of a textual interpretation of the jihad verse which is only interpreted in the context of war. According to Syamsuddin, the meaning of jihad in Surah al-Ankabu>t/29: 69 can be seen in three stages: first, jihad against one's own lusts to achieve the path of obedience to Allah. Second, jihad against those closest to us. Third, jihad against the government, state, and homeland. Meanwhile, Zayd through his hermeneutics (tafsir al-siya>qi) explains that the meaning of jihad in Surah al-Ankabu>t/29: 69 is to free the country from all its problems.
A Comparative Study of the Complexity of Sacred Values of the World’s Religions: A Multidisciplinary Perspective
Abstract: This article discusses knowledge that focuses on comparative studies regarding the complexity of the sacred values of world religions from a multidisciplinary perspective. The tendency of previous research to review the sacred values of religions is limited to a monodisciplinary perspective, and they focused only on the field of spirituality as well as it was personal in nature. In fact, the view of the sacred value of religion as something spiritual has a broad spectrum, and it is also influenced by the environment, culture, and social interactions. The research method employs Rudolf Bultmann’s theological hermeneutical approach to the demythologizing framework. Through this theological hermeneutic, researchers comprehensively interpret the sacred values of religions into the socio-cultural aspects of contemporary humans. This research discovers that the sacred values of world religions are complex-dynamic, not partial-static, and play an important role in various aspects of life throughout the world. At the same time, this is an ideal time to make good use of the practice of sacred values of religions as an important source of community-based values from various parts of the world to develop an important bridge towards the “baldatun ṭayyibatun wa Rabbun Ghafūr society.” Keywords: Comparative Studies; Sacred Values; World Religions; Multidisciplinary Perspective. Abstrak: Artikel ini memperluas pengetahuan yang berfokus pada studi komparasi tentang kompleksitas nilai suci agama-agama dunia dalam perspektif multidisiplin. Penelitian sebelumnya cenderung meninjau nilai suci agama-agama sebatas perspektif monodisiplin dan tertuju hanya pada bidang spiritualitas dan bersifat personal. Padahal pandangan tentang nilai suci agama sebagai sesuatu yang spiritual memiliki spektrum yang luas dan juga dipengaruhi lingkungan, budaya, dan interaksi sosial. Metode penelitian menggunakan pendekatan hermeneutika teologis Rudolf Bultmann pada kerangka demitologisasi. Melalui hermeneutika teologis ini peneliti menginterpretasikan nilai suci agama-agama secara komprehensif ke dalam aspek sosial-budaya manusia kontemporer. Hasil penelitian ini menemukan bahwa nilai suci agama-agama dunia bersifat kompleks-dinamis bukan parsial-statis, dan memainkan peran penting dalam berbagai aspek kehidupan di seluruh dunia, sekaligus era kontemporer ini saat yang ideal untuk kembali memanfaatkan dengan baik praktik nilai suci agama-agama sebagai sumber penting nilai-nilai komunitarian dari berbagai belahan dunia guna membangun jembatan penting menuju masyarakat yang “baldatun thayyibatun wa Rabbun Ghafūr.” Kata Kunci: Studi Komparasi; Nilai Suci; Agama-agama Dunia; Perspektif Multidisiplin.
Islamic Religious Education and Theology
UN Resolution 16/18: An Attempt to Reconstruct the Indistinctness of the Blasphemy Law in Religious Life in Contemporary Indonesia
The purpose of this article is to describe the vagueness of the concepts and the negative effects of the Blasphemy Law, which is operated in contemporary Indonesia with the law No. 1/PNPS/1965. Since its enactment in 1965, this law has been used by various intolerant groups to vilify, to discredit and to discriminate minority communities, including indigenous people, aliran kepercayaan groups (often used interchangeably with aliran kebatinan or Kejawen), and other non-conformist groups as deviant. According to the Blasphemy Law contents, opethese groups are not recognized as official religions because their religious doctrines are not allowed to be practiced and contradict those held by the majority. This article argues that the maintenance of the Blasphemy Law in Indonesia is not only detrimental to interfaith relations and harmony among the country’s diverse religious communities, but also contributes to the high number of violations of religious freedom and belief. Furthermore, a lot of researchers measure that the blasphemy law is one of two major problems in Indonesia — the other problems are related with religious conversion and proselytism. Its repeal is essential to promote religious tolerance and respect for individual beliefs. Certain doctrines are accepted on the basis of majority rather than merit, while those of minorities are often disregarded. Alternatively, this article will consider Resolution 16/18, also called “Combating Intolerance, Negative Stereotyping and Stigmatization of, and Discrimination, Incitement to Violence against Persons Based on Religion or Belief,” which was submitted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries to the UN Human Rights Council in 2011 to address the problems caused by the controversial blasphemy law. Keywords: Blasphemy Law, Religious Freedom, and UN Resolution 16/18.
The Socio-Economic Movements of Sufis: Exploring Spiritual Entrepreneurship of the Idrisiyyah Ṭarīqah at Pagendingan Tasikmalaya Indonesia
Idrisiyyah's spiritual entrepreneurship was born from the neo-Sufism paradigm which produced a business ethos with the motivation of worship, professional service to the murshid, a symphony of inner and outer life and a modern and professional business management culture for the Islamic boarding school's economic independence. Apart from that, Idrisiyyah's entrepreneurial spirituality also gave birth to Idrisiyyah's distinctive corporate culture and corporate values which caused Idrisiyyah business people to feel inner satisfaction, priceless. Cannot be compensated with money, objects or any kind of materials. This causes Idrisiyyah's spiritual entrepreneurship to become an oasis in the midst of a business ethics crisis; but it is difficult to put into practice in society, because Idrisiyyah's spiritual entrepreneurship is tied to the Tarîqah system. The key to success lies in applying the concepts of lillah, fillah and billah, for Allah, in Allah's rules and by Allah, in all lines of business in the epicenter of murshid leadership and example.
Colonialism and Islamic Modernism: Differences in the Development Paths of Islamic Boarding Schools in Indonesia
Islamic modernism emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to global challenges, aiming to blend Islamic values with modern elements like science and technology. It spread globally in response to colonialism and modernization. In Indonesia, it developed during the transition to democracy, with regional autonomy leading to the implementation of Sharia in local regulations. Some radical groups in Indonesia sought to establish a strict Islamic state, driven by motives like the desire for a caliphate. In response, a liberal Islamic movement emphasizing contextual interpretations emerged. Islam Nusantara, represented by NU, exemplifies a moderate and tolerant form of Islam. Religious moderation is seen as an alternative to balance extreme interpretations, focusing on tolerance, democracy, and the rejection of violence. This article will delve into the journey of Islamic modernism, starting from its pioneers in Egypt and extending to Indonesia, where debates and developments in religious thought have become significant stages
The Importance of Public Reason in Democratic Society and the Criticism of Rawls’s Concept of Unreasonableness
People everywhere always live in diversity. Sometimes, people express their values in ways incompatible with the principle of reciprocity or reasonableness. In John Rawls's view, they are categorized as unreasonable because their expression does not align with public reason. In this article, we need to ask, are they really unreasonable and a threat to democracy? Here, we state that public reason is essential to democracy. However, we also need to build a fairer public life and broader public reasoning that engages people from wider background cultures. Thus, Rawls’ understanding of unreasonableness is challenging. We cannot exclude people who have not applied public reason from public life. We neither categorize them as unreasonable because they do not necessarily attack public reason. We can identify them as “in-between” reasonable and unreasonable people, and they are not really a threat to democracy. We need to engage and endorse them to explore a just public life. In order to build a fairer public life, we need to engage people widely and make public reasoning a place for learning the meaning of justice.
Contextualizing Hadith About LGBT in Perspective Humanity, Religion, and Culture
This article aims to contextualize LGBT-related hadiths from humanitarian, religious, and cultural perspectives. LGBT issues have become a complex debate in Indonesian society in recent years, especially as they are closely related to existing religious and cultural values. The purpose of this study is to analyze how LGBT-related hadiths are interpreted and applied in the Indonesian context, and how humanitarian, religious, and cultural perspectives play a role in this understanding. The study uses a qualitative approach by collecting and analyzing data from primary and secondary sources, including hadith texts, religious literature, and the opinions of religious and community leaders. The results of the analysis show that interpretations of hadith-reports on LGBT may vary depending on the religious, cultural, and humanitarian frameworks used. Some may use the hadith to oppose LGBT based on traditional interpretations, while others argue that humanitarian principles and social values should be prioritized. This study also examines the impact of contextualizing hadith about LGBT on religious, cultural and humanitarian views. It was found that the diversity of views in society on this issue reflects the conflict between religious values and the demands of a more inclusive humanity. This research illustrates the complexity of the context in interpreting and applying hadith traditions on LGBT in Indonesia. Differences between religious, cultural and humanitarian interpretations play an important role in shaping discussions and policies on this issue. Therefore, it is important to continue to promote inclusive dialogue and understanding in order to deal with LGBT issues wisely and with respect for different perspectives
THEOLOGY OF PEACE BASED ON RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN ASGHAR ALI ENGINEER’S PERSPECTIVE
This article will explore Asghar Ali Engineer’s ideas on the significance of religious harmony and examine how this concept is manifested through his formulated theology of peace. The research method used in this study is literature review with a philosophical approach using hermeneutic and text analysis techniques through verstehen. The results of this study explain that the theology of peace sees religion as a source of values and spirit that encourage humans to live together in peace and harmony. Asghar Ali Engineer suggests that Muslims prioritize the principles of peace, such as the understanding of Islam, the meaning of jihād, movement, and the application of justice. In addition, according to Asghar Ali’s perspective, Muslims must cultivate values that can realize religious harmony and peace, such as anti-violence, justice, truth, tolerance, love, and compassion.
THE MEANING OF DEATH IN A PSYCHOSOPHYSTIC PERSPECTIVE
The study employs a dual approach, combining psychological analysis with Sufi teachings to comprehend the multifaceted nature of death. Methodologically, it synthesizes insights from psychological theories on emotional detachment and the human perception of mortality. This is juxtaposed with the Sufi perspective, derived from extensive literature, teachings, and interpretations of Sufi scholars and texts. The psychological aspect delves into the notion of psychological death, exploring how individuals, while physically alive, can experience emotional numbness, disconnect, and insensitivity to their surroundings. This exploration incorporates established psychological frameworks and case studies that illustrate these states. Simultaneously, the Sufistic approach interprets death as an inevitable certainty, emphasizing the spiritual separation between the body and the eternal soul. This perspective draws upon Sufi texts, traditions, and philosophies that emphasize the eternal nature of the soul and the transformative aspect of death. The study synthesizes these perspectives, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of death. It examines how the psychological and Sufi viewpoints converge and diverge, shedding light on the multifaceted meanings and implications of death within the human experience. Through this methodological fusion, the study endeavors to offer a nuanced perspective on death that encompasses both psychological and spiritual dimensions.
COMPATIBILITY OF ISLAM AND CAPITALISM: DIMENSIONS OF CAPITALISM IN THE QURAN
This study aims to explore the compatibility of capitalism and Islam. Capitalism, which is identical with self-centeredness and greed, is often at odds with Islam. Have we employed some descriptive, interpretation, and philosophical approaches, this study concludes that capitalism and Islam are compatible. The Quran mentions several characteristics of capitalism, such as private ownership and profit maximization. Private ownership and capital accumulation are permitted in Islam, and the freedom to own property is a measure of productivity. Profit maximization, which is the core of capitalism, is also available in the Quran. Islam permits profit-taking within certain parameters. This situation demonstrates the compatibility of capitalism and Islam. However, it is necessary to incorporate Islamic norms to make capitalism more compatible with Islam.
THE CONTIGUITY OF MUSA’S SHARIA IN THE QURAN: TORAH AND ṢUḤUF TERMINOLOGY IN EXEGETICAL LITERATURES
This article attempts to trace the contiguity of the substance of the sharia revealed to Musa in the Quran by tracing the terminology of the Torah and Ṣuḥuf on exegetical sources. The article will track the intersection of the classical and contemporary exegetical sources that use the jurisprudence approach as a lens in interpreting the Quran. This research is qualitative in nature, and the method used is descriptive-analytical. As a result, at least based on exegetical literature, there is a specific intersection between the sharia brought by Musa and the sharia brought by Muhammad in the Quran. The intersection lies, for example, in legal aspects such as qiṣāṣ, diyāt and rajam. However, there are different views on addressing this contiguity. One view is that the contiguity does not mean anything because the previous sharia has been abolished by the revelation of the Quran. Another view states that the Quran is a conclusive-confirmative revelation and does not abolish previous sharia.
RELIGION, THE COVID-19, AND HEALTH PROTOCOLS: A CASE STUDY OF MUSLIMS GROUP VIEWS
The article aims to describe the religious views of Indonesian Muslim groups concerning Covid-19 and health protocols. It also explores the factors that lead some Muslims to reject health protocols in their religious practices. The qualitative method was employed in this study, with research subjects selected through purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The informants included leaders of Indonesian Muslim groups, such as Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama, and other Muslim group leaders. The research findings indicate that most Muslim group leaders interpret Islamic teachings with academic perspectives, although many tend to adopt conservative interpretations. This conservative religious understanding is influenced by several factors: first, the psychological factor of panic or cultural shock among some Muslims; second, the influx of information on social media whose accuracy is challenging to verify; third, economic pressure on the people; and fourth, the government’s indecisiveness and the ineffectiveness of public communication.