Islamic Tradition Research Articles

Bishri Hafi Effect: How spirituality might stall off the addiction recovery

This article introduces the Bishri Hafi Effect, a distinctive psycho-spiritual phenomenon that appears to hinder the recovery journey of individuals struggling with alcohol and substance addiction. This effect is characterized by the belief held by addicts that their recovery is contingent upon an external (supernatural) force, rather than their own agency, thereby creating a significant hurdle in their path to overcoming addiction. The phenomenon emerged as a byproduct of a larger study involving 10 individuals undergoing treatment for alcohol and substance addiction at various Green Crescent (Yeşilay) Consultancy Center branches in Istanbul between 2019 and 2021. Employing phenomenological analysis, this effect was identified and examined within the broader context of the study. During spiritual counseling sessions that incorporates Islamic tradition, it became apparent that some individuals, when presented with the recovery story of Bishri Hafi—a key figure in Islamic tradition symbolizing alcohol addiction—tended to idealize his narrative, often to the point of overlooking their own personal progress. The story of Bishri Hafi triggered an outlook wherein recovery was anticipated as a miraculous event. This article aims to introduce and shed light on this unique phenomenon, highlighting its unexpected impact within the realm of spirituality in addiction treatment.

Learning together

Meg Barclay, education consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews picturebooks that teach children about dinosaurs, cooking, Islamic traditions and how Muslim families mark Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

The Qur’an in South Asia: Hermeneutics, Qur’an Projects, and Imaginings of Islamic Tradition in British India By Kamran Bashir

<i>The Qur’an in South Asia: Hermeneutics, Qur’an Projects, and Imaginings of Islamic Tradition in British India</i> By Kamran Bashir

Maqāṣid cum-Mubādalah Methodology of KUPI: Centering Women’s Experiences in Islamic Law for Gender-Just Fiqh

The production of fatwā in Indonesia has traditionally been dominated by male scholars and rooted in conventional methodologies that prioritize textual sources, often neglecting the lived experiences of women. This article examines innovative methodology proposed by the Indonesian Congress of Women Ulama (Kongres Ulama Perempuan Indonesia, or KUPI) to develop a gender-just approach to Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). Drawing on participant observation of KUPI's fatwa-making processes in two events occurring respectively in 2017 and 2022 and literature analysis, this study explores two key questions: (1) To what extent does KUPI’s maqāṣid cum-mubādalah methodology foster gender-just fiqh? (2) How does KUPI apply this methodology, incorporating both women’s experiential perspectives and literal Islamic texts, in issuing its fatwā on child marriage and abortion in cases of rape? The analysis highlights how KUPI’s maqāṣid cum-mubādalah approach challenges traditional jurisprudence, showcasing its transformative potential. KUPI’s framework integrates maqāṣid asy-syarī’ah (the objectives of Islamic law) with mubādalah a perspective emphasizing equality and reciprocity between men and women. Termed maqāṣid cum-mubādalah, this methodology recognizes lived experiences of women as one of the sources to formulate religious opinions, or fatwā, in Islamic legal tradition. This article underscores the importance of integrating women's experiential perspectives into Islamic legal discourse, offering new insights into evolving interpretations of fiqh that prioritize justice and equality.

The Application of Religious Tolerance Values in Salafiyyah Islamic Boarding Schools: A Case Study of Pesantren Al-Muthmainnah

Religious tolerance is a fundamental value that sustains social harmony in a diverse society like Indonesia. Pesantren, particularly the Salafiyyah Al-Muthmainnah Islamic boarding school, as an educational institution emphasizing traditional Islamic teachings through the kitab kuning (classical Islamic texts), plays a strategic role in instilling the value of religious tolerance among its students to face the challenges of pluralism in society. Despite the absence of specific subjects on religious tolerance in the pesantren curriculum, students encounter the challenge of understanding how to implement tolerance in daily life. This issue makes it intriguing to explore how religious tolerance values are applied in this pesantren. This research examines the implementation of religious tolerance values in Pesantren Salafiyyah Al-Muthmainnah. Employing a descriptive qualitative research method, data were collected through direct observation and in-depth interviews with informants at the pesantren, using a triangulation approach. The analysis involved comparing observations and interviews, focusing on the learning processes, and applying religious tolerance values at Pesantren Salafiyyah Al-Muthmainnah. The findings reveal that Pesantren Al-Muthmainnah successfully implements religious tolerance values through the teaching of kitab kuning, wise instruction on differences in Islamic schools of thought (madhab), and community activities that reflect respect for diversity, both within the Muslim community and among followers of different religions. Therefore, despite its foundation in classical Islamic traditions, Pesantren Al-Muthmainnah serves as a solid platform for fostering religious tolerance values and significantly contributes to creating a harmonious society. Keywords: Religius Tolerance, Pesantren Salafiyyah, Kitab Kuning

Analisis Al-Iqtibas pada Ayat Al-Qur’an dan Hadist

his study aims to analyze the concept of al-iqtibas in verses of the Qur'an and Hadith. Al-iqtibas is a technique of quoting or borrowing parts of texts found in the Qur'an and Hadith in various contexts, both in literature and speeches. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with textual analysis methods to understand how al-iqtibas is utilized in both classical and contemporary Islamic traditions. The findings show that al-iqtibas plays an essential role in strengthening religious arguments and enhancing the aesthetic value of texts, while also serving as an effective medium for conveying moral and spiritual messages. Furthermore, the study finds that the use of al-iqtibas is not limited to religious contexts but also extends to cultural and social realms. This research is expected to enrich the understanding of intertextuality in the study of the Qur'an and Hadith and contribute to the development of Islamic linguistic studies.

Contextualization of Classical Text Teaching in Traditional and Modern Pesantren

This study aims to analyze the contextualization of classical text teaching in both traditional and modern pesantren through a socio-cultural approach, focusing on adapting teaching methods and their relevance in addressing the changes of the times. A qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical methods was employed to investigate the contextualization of classical text instruction in modern pesantren (Pesantren Persis 67 Benda) and traditional pesantren (Pesantren Miftahul Huda) in Tasikmalaya. Data collection techniques included passive participant observation, structured interviews, and documentation studies, with data analysis based on the Miles and Huberman model conducted before, during, and after fieldwork. Triangulation, extended observations, and enhanced rigor were applied to ensure data credibility. The findings indicate that traditional pesantren maintain classical methods such as sorogan and bandongan, while modern pesantren adopt integrative approaches that combine Islamic traditions with technology-based and contemporary scientific learning methods. Both models successfully preserve the relevance of classical texts in shaping the character of students through strong spiritual and ethical values. In conclusion, the contextualization of classical text teaching in pesantren not only serves as a strategy to preserve the intellectual heritage of Islam but also as an educational paradigm that adapts to global challenges, ensuring that pesantren remains relevant as leading educational institutions in the modern era.

Cultural Harmonization through Islamic Education: between Religious Moderation in Javanese Traditions in Penginyongan

The Penginyongan community, characterized by its egalitarian and open culture, possesses a unique cultural configuration distinct from the general Islamic traditions in Java. Their moderate and accommodative religious attitudes have prompted further study on the processes of cultural acculturation and assimilation with Islam. This research aims to explore the cultural expressions of the Penginyongan community and how these integrate with Islamic values, while also formulating a framework for culturally-based religious moderation and its application in Islamic education. Through an ethnographic approach, the findings reveal that Islam is harmoniously embraced within Penginyongan culture, as reflected in traditions such as lengger, ebeg, sedekah laut, and sedekah bumi. These cultural practices adapt without losing their local essence, creating a synergy between local wisdom and Islamic teachings. The egalitarian and open nature of the Penginyongan people demonstrates significant potential as a prototype for culturally-based religious moderation, contributing meaningfully to the development of an inclusive and culturally rooted model of religiosity and Islamic education in Indonesia.

Renaissance of Islam in North Africa: A Historical and Religious Analysis

This paper explores the renaissance and development of Islam in North Africa, focusing on historical accounts and religious narratives that predate the arrival of Islam through ‘Amr bin ‘Ᾱṣ under the caliphate of ‘Umar. This study is driven by the need for a deeper understanding of how Islam in North Africa underwent historical transformations, from its early introduction to the detailed development of Islamic laws and traditions. Some historians argue that Islam was introduced earlier through migration to Abyssinia, although it was not adopted as a way of life. Other perspectives, such as Nmah (2018), highlight the role of interactions between Muslims and Christians along the Nile River as the starting point for Islamization and Arabization in the region. The paper also examines the presence of Prophet Yusuf in Egypt and the mission of Prophet Musa to the Israelites, as described in the Qur’an. These narratives indicate that Islam has been known in Egypt since ancient times, though Islamic law was not fully detailed. This study identifies four key periods in the history of Islam in North Africa: the migration to Abyssinia, the period of Prophet Yusuf, the period of Prophet Musa, and the Muslim conquest of Egypt by ‘Amr bin ‘Ᾱṣ. The study concludes that Islam's message has remained consistent since the beginning of humanity, with only the details of Shariah evolving. Future research should focus on the post-conquest period of ‘Amr bin ‘Ᾱṣ, particularly the dynamics of Islamization and Arabization and their impact on local culture and society in North Africa.

Dungan ethnicity in transformation: from totalitarianism to contemporary adaptation

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyse the transformation of Dungan ethnic identity from the era of the Soviet Union to the present day. The Dungans, an ethnic group related to the Chinese Hui, are widespread in post-Soviet Central Asia. Their ethnic identity is influenced by a combination of Islamic and Chinese traditions, which is reflected in their distinctive language and way of life. The primary focus of this study was the influence exerted on the formation of Dungan identity by totalitarian regimes in the Soviet Union and China. The research combined historical analysis with fieldwork and oral history to analyse the impact of political, social and economic factors on ethnic consciousness. The findings illuminate how these regimes affected not only political and social structures but also the personal beliefs and behaviour of citizens.

Islam as liberatory exploration: praying with British inclusive Muslims

Abstract This paper explores the process of meaning-making in an Islamic site—The Inclusive Mosque Initiative (IMI)—where the cultivation of a plural religious space is pursued as an Islamic, rather than a secular, virtue. The study highlights the discourse, spatiality, and praxis of the Friday prayers at IMI, revealing a distinctive non-hierarchical symbolic spatiality, plural congregational practices, shared ritual leadership, and interactive sermons cultivating diversity in congregants’ ethical self-formation. Drawing on these ethnographic experiences, the paper advocates for an expansion of Talal Asad’s concept of the discursive tradition of Islam by proposing a greater emphasis on ‘non-established’ practices, such as IMI’s gender-expansive Friday prayers. Additionally, by questioning the primacy given to reason and argumentation referring to the foundational Islamic texts in Asad’s approach, it highlights how embodied, affective, and phenomenological experiences play a defining role in Islamic discursive traditions. Inclusive Muslims offer an expanded purpose of power within the Islamic discursive tradition, moving away from conceptions of Islamic authority linked with ‘orthodoxy’ to ones demonstrating, what Shahab Ahmed calls, the ‘explorative’ mode of authority. Consequently, the study of non-normative, inclusive Muslim communities, exemplified by the IMI, offers insights into alternative Islamic practices and discourses and challenges conventional anthropological definitions of Islam as a discursive tradition.

The inviolability and value of the human body and the corpse in the Islamic legal tradition

This article examines how the inviolability (hurma) of the human body is conceived of and negotiated within juristic discourses on the paradigmatic hypothetical case of the starving person from the fifth/eleventh through seventh/thirteenth centuries. The Islamic legal tradition documents lively juristic discussions and debates on hypothetical cases of necessity, many of which implicate foundational questions of value and the inviolability of the human body. At a basic level, necessity applies to a situation in which someone must ‘break’ the law or fail to fulfill a legal obligation, in order to escape the threat of serious harm to something of high value (usually, life, limb, or health). The jurists constructed multiple hypothetical cases of necessity that implicate the inviolability of the human body, including the cases of the starving person, excision of gangrenous tissue, and cesarian section, as well as numerous fact patterns of coercion. This article considers the challenging issues of inflicting serious bodily harm on others and on oneself in order to preserve life, including inflicting harm on the living and on the dead, as well as self-harm. It provides an account and analysis of both the substance and mechanics of fiqh argument, or how jurists reasoned through complex questions of value that also have substantial bases in conceptions of the human body, medicine, logic, and reasonableness through the language and method of the fiqh. This article argues that the evidence and methods of argumentation employed by the jurists reveal significant diversity and tensions in juristic method and understandings of value and subjectivity in the fiqh, as well as in the construction of the foundational concepts of inviolability (hurma) and (legal) protection ('isma). Furthermore, it shows that in the starving person paradigm, the jurists explored the boundary between (non-human) animality and humanity, and grappled with how to locate the (dead) human body within legal thought, and how to operationalize the higher degree of respect accorded to the human body than to non-human bodies. Finally, it examines the ways in which these discourses provide material for considering the functions of subjectivity, emotions, and moral aversion in the law.

Classical Islamic philosophy and the gendered perfection of bodies and minds

How does classical Islamic philosophy envisage political leadership? Many – scholars and popular commentators alike – assume that, in line with certain Qur’anic and social commitments regarding gender roles, the Islamic political tradition is, and always has been, unenthusiastic about female political leadership. Examining the works of three important political thinkers – al-Farabi (d. 950), Ibn Tufayl (d. 1185), and Ibn Rushd (d. 1198) – this article complicates a simplistic vision. I will show that both on the issue of whether only the most perfect are capable of leadership and the question of whether women, too, can be such leaders, classical thinkers diverge and thus elude a simplistic assessment of the premodern tradition. My foray into classical Islamic discourses on political leadership will thus end by emphasizing caution. We must be wary of any attempts to draw straightforward connections between contemporary grievances and the classical tradition of Islamic political thought, as well as be attentive to the breadth and contestation of basic commitments among different figures.

Transformasi Islamic Worldview dalam Pemikiran Islam di Dunia Barat

The transformation of the Islamic worldview in Islamic thought in the Western world reflects the dynamic interaction between Islamic traditions and the context of modernity and secularization. This study aims to analyze how the Islamic worldview undergoes transformation within the thoughts of Muslim intellectuals in the Western world. Using a qualitative approach based on literature review, this research identifies a paradigm shift from traditional understanding toward the integration of Islamic values into modern discourse. The findings reveal that this transformation involves not only value adaptation but also the recontextualization of Islamic principles to address philosophical, social, and epistemological challenges in the Western world. This transformation opens opportunities for a more harmonious synthesis between Islamic values and the Western context without losing its identity.

The linkage of Islamic intellectual traditions in Bali with Malay world

The linkage of Islamic intellectual traditions in Bali with Malay world

A Review Of Mircea Eliade's Perspective On The Sacred Symbols Of The Ka'bah And The Cross

Symbols of sacredness such as the Kaaba and the cross play a central role in Islamic and Christian traditions, representing spiritual, theological, and sociocultural aspects. This research examines the sacred dimensions of these two symbols using the perspective of Mircea Eliade, known for his phenomenological approach to understanding religion and symbolism. The main issues raised are how the Kaaba and the cross can become sacred centers of spirituality, and how their symbolic meanings are understood in a cross-religious and cultural context. This research explores the meaning and function of the Kaaba and cross symbols, using a qualitative method based on comparative studies. Data collection techniques were conducted through a literature review that included books, academic articles, and other relevant documents. Data were analyzed through the classification, reduction, and interpretation stages, focusing on the relationship of these symbols to religious experience and socio-cultural context. The results show that the Kaaba, as the center of Muslim worship, is a symbol of spiritual unity associated with monotheism, while the cross in the Christian tradition symbolizes victory over sin and death, and is central to the sacrificial theology of Jesus Christ. Both symbols function as manifestations of hierophany, as per Eliade's theory, which creates a sacred space in the midst of worldly life. The research also reveals the role of the Kaaba and the cross as a means of forming the collective identity of their respective communities, whose relevance is maintained despite the challenges of modernity.

Unveiling Cultural Threads: An Exploration of Maguindanaon Marriage Practices in the Face of Contemporary Adaptations

Marriage is a cornerstone institution for the Maguindanaon people, deeply embedded in their historical and cultural fabric. This indigenous Muslim group primarily resides in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and SOCCSKSARGEN Province in the Philippines. The study examines the historical and cultural roots of traditional Maguindanaon marriage practices and explores the factors driving their adaptations amidst contemporary societal changes. Utilizing a Transcendental Phenomenological Design, the research involved ten Maguindanaon professionals, aged 25 to 40, to capture their lived experiences with these practices. Findings emphasize the syncretism of indigenous and Islamic traditions, where practices like pangëngërung and salangguni blend with Islamic marriage contracts. These ceremonies reinforce community bonds and cultural identity. However, tensions arise in reconciling traditional customs with Islamic teachings, especially regarding dowry expectations and ceremonial simplicity. Despite Islamic influences, pre-Islamic customs persist, showcasing the community’s resilience in preserving their heritage. The study also features the socio-economic dimensions of Maguindanaon marriages, where negotiations and the involvement of community leaders play significant roles in maintaining social and economic stability. Contemporary adaptations, influenced by globalization, urbanization, and technological advancements, reflect the dynamic interaction between tradition and modernity. These include incorporating Qur’an recitations and modest bridal attire into ceremonies. This research enriches our understanding of how the Maguindanaon community handles cultural continuity and change, balancing traditional values with evolving societal norms.

Empowering the Islamic Community to Minimize Child Marriage in Lampung Province

The number of child marriage cases in Lampung Province has increased significantly in recent years, despite existing regulations aimed at preventing it. Data from the Bandar Lampung Religious High Court shows an increase in marriage dispensation requests from 233 during the 2017-2019 period to 714 in 2020. The reasons behind this practice vary, including parenting patterns, the influence of social media, and cultural norms that consider child marriage to be customary. The Lampung community, predominantly Muslim, is influenced by Islamic traditions and values in daily life. Therefore, empowering the Islamic community is considered crucial to reducing the rate of child marriage. This article analyzes the efforts to empower the Islamic community in Lampung through education, awareness, legal regulation, and economic empowerment. This research uses a literature review method focusing on empowering the Islamic community, the causes and impacts of child marriage, as well as case studies and best practices from other regions. Scholars and religious leaders play a key role in changing social norms through interpretations of Islamic teachings that support the protection and welfare of children. With a holistic approach involving all layers of society, the practice of child marriage can be significantly minimized.

Acculturation of Local Culture in the Celebration of the Maulid Nabi in Indonesia

This study analyses the acculturation of Islam to the Ambelu tradition in the celebration of the Maulid Nabi in Bontomanai Subdistrict, Selayar Islands Regency through a comparison of the views of the al-Shafi'i and Hanafi Madhhab. This study aimed to examine whether this practice correlated with Islamic law or contained elements of bid'ah and to assess how local cultural acculturation influenced the implementation of the tradition in the context of religious celebrations. A qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach was used in this study. Data collection included direct observation, interviews with religious leaders and local communities, as well as a review of related documents. The analysis was further carried out by comparing the perspectives of the al-Shafi'i and Hanafi Madhhab on the Ambelu tradition and the concept of bid'ah in Islam. The results showed that the Ambelu tradition was widely accepted by the local community as part of religious culture, despite various opinions among scholars regarding the legal status. The al-Shafi'i Madhhab tended to be more permissive of this practice, while the Hanafi Madhhab adopted a more cautious stance in the context of bid'ah. This study was original in the comparative analysis of two fiqh madhhab in examining local traditions that rarely receive academic attention. Additionally, it also offered fresh insights into the interaction between Islamic law and local culture in Selayar. The results emphasized the importance of a contextual method to studying local traditions in Islam and outlined the relevance of maintaining harmony between culture and religion in society.

The Spirit and Holy Spirit in The Quran and its Exegeses

The term ‘Holy Spirit’ is referenced four times in the Quran, with three instances directly related to Jesus Christ, while the broader term ‘spirit’ or “the spirit” (al-Rūḥ) appears eighteen times, some of which pertain to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This study explores the concepts of the Spirit and Holy Spirit as they are presented in the Quran, as well as their interpretations in classical Islamic exegesis. The research begins by analyzing the Quranic verses where the “Holy Spirit” is associated with Jesus Christ and his mother, providing a detailed examination of these occurrences and their contextual significance. Subsequently, the study delves into the instances of the “Holy Spirit” in other contexts, offering a comparative analysis of the term’s usage across different passages. Following the discussion on the “Holy Spirit,” the study shifts focus to the discussion of “the spirit” (al-Rūḥ) and “a spirit” (Rūḥ) in the Quran. Adopting the same methodological approach, it first addresses the verses connected to Jesus and Mary, before exploring the diverse contexts in which the spirit is mentioned. In each case, the relevant Quranic interpretations are discussed, drawing from key Quranic commentaries (tafsīr). The study relies on a combination of classical exegetical methods, incorporating both narration-based exegesis (tafsīr bi-l-ma'thūr), such as the works of al-Ṭabarī and al-Baghawī, and reasoning-based exegesis (tafsīr bi-l-ra'y), as exemplified by the works of Imām Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī. Additionally, it evaluates the authenticity and sources of the exegetes’ interpretations, scrutinizing their reliance on prophetic traditions (hadith), the explanations of the Prophet’s companions, and even biblical sources. By presenting and comparing a range of Quranic interpretations, this study aims to highlight the diversity of thought surrounding the concepts of the ‘Spirit’ and ‘Holy Spirit’ within Islamic tradition. It provides a valuable resource for those seeking to understand how these notions are interpreted and debated within Islam and offers a platform for comparison with the corresponding concepts in Christianity and Judaism, thereby contributing to broader interfaith theological dialogues.