The History and Prospect of Hadith Studies in Indonesia

Abstract

Hadith studies in Indonesia have occurred since the 17th and 18th centuries AD and continue until now. The study in this field is growing in terms of the content of scientific materials or literature used. This is a qualitative study based on library research. The collected data analyzed using historical method and classificative analysis discusses about the development of hadith studies in Indonesia which began in the 17th century to the present, with the following periods: hadith studies in the 17th century until the early of 20th century AD, in the early of 20th century AD until the Indonesian independence, and after the independence (1945) untill now. Each period has its own tendency and characteristic. Since the 17th century until the early of 20th century AD, hadith studies had not much been done in Indonesia but since the nineteenth century, it’s began to be taught in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and Islamic Schools (madrasah), but they did not use standard reference books. Hadith studies were more intensively appreciated after the establishment of several Islamic higher educaton institutions in Indonesia which made hadith studies as a part of their courses. The prospect of hadith studies in Indonesia at least has three points. Hadith studies will proceed as they are now, taught in Islamic boarding schools, madrasas, and Islamic universities but less intense and merely for learning purposes rather than special and comprehensive studies. Hadith studies will decrease due to the decreasing of enthusiasts.