Self-Education Mechanism and Community Strengthening: Understanding Da’wa as Formalized Ritual of Tablighi Jemaat

Abstract

This article identifies the da’wa movement of the Tablighi Jemaat as a formalized ritual performed by the community to strengthen its existence as a transnational Islamic movement. By applying a phenomenological approach to study the members and activists of Tablighi Jemaat in West Java, Indonesia, this article aims to uncover the understanding and experience of the community carrying out da’wa movements. Data was obtained through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and literature study. This data reveals that da’wa means more than just conducting religious obligations for the Tablighi Jemaat community. As part of the formal rituals required, it becomes the collective identity of the community, which distinguishes it from similar transnational Islamic movements. This is demonstrated in two ways. First, da’wah activities summarized in the khuruj ritual are a self-education mechanism meant to improve the good qualities of each member. It is believed that conveying kindness to others directly will reflect positively on the performers of da’wa. Second, the series of da’wa activities conducted in khuruj aims to invite others to join the community so that it will become stronger and more widespread.