Compromise of Islam and customary practices in the religious practices of the muslim community in Papua: a study of maqāṣid syarī’ah

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Compromising Islam and customary practices (adat) in religious life practices is a manifestation of Islamic law in maintaining harmonious relationships among religious communities, particularly Muslims and Christians. This article not only aims to uncover various religious practices that compromise Islam and adat, but also presents an in-depth analysis of the impact of such compromises on inter-religious relations among the Kokoda community. The data analysis for this article was obtained through observation, interviews, and literature and document studies. The article demonstrates that religious practices among Kokoda Muslims are deeply infused with adat nuances, making compromise with Islam a middle ground. There are three practices that are openly carried out. First, in social relations practices, both Muslims and Christians perceive that their current religion is the one inherited from their family. This concept is an implementation of Islamic legal principles regarding the urgency of preserving genealogy and family traditions in the context of faith. Second, the celebration of major religious days is considered a shared possession even though they adhere to different religions. This aligns with Islamic law which emphasizes the importance of harmonious and respectful life among religious communities. Third, the marriage practice that compromises Islam and adat is an effort to fulfill the guidelines of Islamic law, while also preserving Kokoda adat. This reflects harmonization between religious obligations and respect for adat law. This study focuses on discussing the forms and impacts of religious practices that compromise Islamic law and customary practices (adat) within one community group, namely Kokoda. This research contributes to global studies on religious diversity, pluralism, and cultural conflict resolution, as well as adds to the literature on religious adaptation in culturally complex societies.