Ramadan and strengthening of the social capital of Indonesian Muslim communities

Nurus Shalihin,Ujang Wardi,Firdaus Firdaus,Yulia Yulia

doi:10.4102/hts.v76i3.6241

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between Ramadan and social capital, that is, social solidarity and philanthropy, in Muslim communities in Indonesia. The data waere collected through a questionnaire that was distributed to 600 respondents in six districts or cities in two provinces. Respondents were randomly selected at the village level. The results showed that social solidarity during Ramadan was high (3.32) with values of the spirit of togetherness (3.37), collective consciousness (3.32) and cooperation (3.28). In addition, philanthropy was included in a high category (3.27) with different values of alms (3.49), infaq (3.23) and waqf (3.10). Therefore, it can be concluded that Ramadan contributes positively to the social solidarity of Muslim communities in Indonesia. The result can be used to develop a model of social solidarity in overcoming the problem of disintegration. Furthermore, it improves Muslim philanthropy for social welfare and to overcome the problem of poverty. Contribution: This article contributes to the sustainable development goal of poverty alleviation. It focuses on a multidisplinary religious perspective from textual and hermeneutical studies within the paradigm of Qur’an studies.

Highlights

As a holy month, Ramadan refers to a special epic journey of the Muslim community on which the various religious expressions take place in a very strong and comprehensive manner
This study showed that Ramadan had a significant impact on the development of social capital in Muslim communities, which is demonstrated by two points: firstly, to strengthen solidarity in a spirit of togetherness, collective consciousness
This study shows that the social solidarity of the Muslim community during the month of Ramadan was high with an average of 3.32 and a percentage of 83.8

Summary

Introduction

Ramadan refers to a special epic journey of the Muslim community on which the various religious expressions take place in a very strong and comprehensive manner. It is about fasting as a pivot of strength and about an increase in devotional, moral and social commitments (Schielke 2009). In the context of religion, it is closely linked to mental and spiritual (intrinsic values) life and social life (extrinsic values) This is because of religiosity, which reflects an individual’s involvement in spiritual issues, including feelings and experiences as a religious person towards the environment and global life (Kendler et al 2003). Ramadan is closely linked to human consciousness concerning religion, beliefs and social life (Kendler et al 2003), that is, religious affiliation, participation and other forms of expression (Farmer, Trapnell & Meston 2009)

Objectives

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion