MAJELIS TAKLIM AND SOCIO-CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE SOUTH TANGERANG SOCIETY

Abstract

<p><em>Majelis taklim</em> plays an essential and strategic role in the South Tangerang people's socio-cultural transformation. Amid the rapid flow of urban development, <em>majelis taklim</em> can still play their function in religious education and maintain the continuity and order of society's structure and socio-cultural system. Not only religious issues, but <em>majelis taklim</em> can also be a space to solve various socio-political problems. Using a qualitative method with a social history approach, this article aims to capture continuity and change, especially towards the expanding role of <em>majelis taklim</em> in South Tangerang. In addition to the achievements, various challenges faced by <em>majelis taklim</em> in carrying out its socio-religious role in the modern era were also discussed. This study identifies several things. First, <em>majelis taklim</em> is increasingly recruiting members of various ages, education, occupation, and insight. This makes the <em>majelis taklim</em> more open and encourages the socio-cultural transformation of the South Tangerang people. Second, in responding to the times, <em>majelis taklim</em> often face challenges in administration, equipment, and communication. Third, there is a collective awareness among Muslims about how important it is to study Islamic knowledge in <em>majelis taklim</em>. This motivated the community to establish <em>majelis taklim</em> until 2020 had reached more than 874 throughout the South Tangerang area. With the socio-religious role of <em>majelis taklim</em>, Muslims increasingly love their religion, deepening Islamic teachings through a religious education institution that plays an essential role in society's socio-cultural transformation.</p>