Islamic Studies Research Articles

SEJARAH INTELEKTUAL ISLAM: KONTRIBUSI DAN PENGARUH PEMIKIRAN Al-GHAZALI TERHADAP DUNIA ISLAM ABAD KE 11 M

This research discusses al-Ghazali's contribution and thoughts to the Islamic world in the 11th century M. The focus of the study includes al-Ghazali's success in integrating the teachings of Sufism into the mainstream of Islamic thought, reforming Islamic education, and providing criticism of philosophy that enriches Islamic theological discourse. The aim of this research is to explore the contribution and influence of al-Ghazali's thought on the development of the Islamic world, in three main aspects, namely, Islamic spirituality, the Islamic education curriculum, and the development of Islamic philosophy. Researchers use historical research methods which consist of four stages, namely, heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography with a literature review approach by collecting data in the form of books, journals, documents, as well as sources of data and information relevant to the study. This research found that al-Ghazali's main contributions, such as reforms in Islamic theology, criticism of philosophy, and his influence on education and religious thought. In addition, al-Ghazali's intellectual legacy not only enriches Islamic traditions but also offers relevant perspectives in facing contemporary challenges, making his work an important reference in modern Islamic studies today.

Manuskrip Arab sebagai Argumen Islam Asia Tenggara

This article is a critical review of Peacock's book on “Arabic Literary Culture in Southeast Asia in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries”. The book reflects the author's attention to the marginalization of the Arabic texts that are composed in the 17th and 18th century Southeast Asia, or for a Southeast Asian audience, and the Arabic texts that were read and copied in the region. Peacock based his analysis on a corpus of Arabic manuscripts in Southeast Asia from different collections in Banten, Jakarta National Library, and others. Peacock argues that in term of Islamic studies, scholars should not regard Southeast Asian Islam as peripheral, regardless its geographical position remotely from the Middle East. One of Peacock’s important arguments is that the royal court became the major centre for the writing and reading of an indigenous Southeast Asian Arabic literature before nineteenth century.

Expert Meeting on Green Islam: Igniting Faith-Led Environmentalism Action in Indonesia

Mainstreaming Green Islam is an important challenge. This Islamic value-based movement needs to spur the government to make more substantive policies and act decisively against those who cause serious environmental damage. To discuss it further, UIN Jakarta’s Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) through the Religious Environmentalism Actions (REACT) program held an Expert Meeting on June 27, 2024. The Religious Environmentalism Actions (REACT) program is an initiative driven by UIN Jakarta’s Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) aiming to strengthen the role of young people and religious organizations in promoting a sustainable environment in Indonesia. Through evidence-based knowledge and policy advocacy, this program is expected to make a significant contribution to strengthening the actions of the faith-based environmental movement. In addition, this program also aims to increase public awareness and capacity related to environmental issues and climate change through capacity building and public campaigns.

Kajian Dinamika Universitas Al-Azhar dan Reformasi Pendidikan di Mesir serta Pengaruhnya terhadap Dunia Islam

Al-Azhar University is evidence of the oldest Islamic education in the world, which was founded during the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt and functions as a center for Islamic studies and a center for the spread of Isma'ili Shiite teachings. As time went by and changes in Islamic governments, the al-Azhar mosque turned into a madrasa to spread Sunni Islam and has now become a university that has produced many ulama figures who have given birth to new views and ideas for reform, thus influencing the development of education and the Islamic world throughout the world. This research aims to determine the dynamics of universities and educational reform in Egypt which have an impact on Muslims globally, including Indonesia. This research uses library research with references from books, articles and historical analysis of Al-Azhar. The results of this research are knowledge of al-Azhar from the Fatimid dynasty to the present, this motivates Muslims to continue studying and making the mosque prosperous and advancing Islamic education.

Revisiting Women's Piety Movements in the Indonesian Context

The current Islamic studies literature focusing on women’s expression in Indonesia remains understudied. It still presents a scholarly challenge for current Islamic studies to address the issue of ideal expressed space for women. This mainly includes women’s positions and roles in society and their concerns about public issues. This gap often becomes a source of criticism, especially from the feminist perspective. The latter believes that dogmatic religious understanding restricts women’s roles in public space. Addressing this puzzle, this paper aims to analyze how Islam affirmatively can address women’s expression as individuals and members of social groups. This paper employs critical discourse analysis by cultivating theoretical frameworks such as the debate between feminism and Islamic understandings of women. It also draws data from fieldwork, conducting in-depth interviews with women activists and academics. The findings of this study show that the need for inclusive public space for women to express their concerns while keeping their Islamic faith is imminent. This need could also expand women’s concerns to broader contexts such as interfaith dialogue. By focusing on three different Islamic women's movements, this paper further investigates how these three movements build up their expressed spaces and their impact on society.

Optimization of Lecturer Resource Management at the Faculty of Islamic Studies

This study examines Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within the Faculty of Islamic Studies at two universities: Pancabudi Development University and Dharmawangsa University. The research aims to analyze key HRM aspects, including recruitment, selection, competency enhancement, performance management, coaching, and the development of educational staff and faculty members at these institutions. The study adopts a multi-site approach, encompassing both faculties, and utilizes qualitative research methods, specifically a naturalistic interactive approach that involves organic interactions between researchers and participants. The findings reveal that both universities follow general standards for recruitment and selection, such as assessing prior needs and consulting with WR1, although the selection methods varied between institutions. Performance improvement strategies at both universities include participation in various training activities and seminars. Coaching and development efforts at Pancabudi Development University emphasize on-the-job and in-service training, whereas Dharmawangsa University incorporates third-party providers for training initiatives. Moreover, at Pancabudi Development University, the development of educator professionalism is integrated into the broader campus development strategy, while Dharmawangsa University prioritizes ongoing professional development. In conclusion, although the HRM approaches at both universities differ, they are aligned in their overall objectives to enhance HRM and campus development. These findings suggest that institutions implementing well-planned organizational strategies are likely to achieve superior accreditation outcomes.

Becoming Modern and Secular: A Review Essay on Recent Work on Islam and South Asia

Abstract The Muslims of South Asia are more than five hundred million people, distributed between Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, and there are more Muslims in South Asia than in any other region in the world. After Indonesia, which is the largest Muslim country in the world, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are the second, third, and fourth largest Muslim countries, respectively. Although the prevalent approach in the study of Islam is to consider its so-called Arab character as central, the Muslims in pre-Partition India constituted the largest body of Muslims in the world, and the vast political and intellectual influence exerted by South Asian Muslims on the wider Muslim world is often neglected. Many of the most important political, intellectual, and spiritual developments within Islam have had their origins, or have flourished, in South Asia, and Muslims from the region have played important roles in the global history of Islam, including during the colonial period, in resistance to colonial rule, and in intellectual responses to and dialogue with Western thought. Pakistan was specifically created to provide a homeland for South Asia’s Muslim population and its trials and tribulations over the past seventy-five years have been carefully watched by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Muslims constitute India’s largest minority, with an often uneasy—to say the least—relationship to the majority. In the context of the three books under discussion, I explore issues, such as secularism, modernity, and religion, and their impacts on the conception of the nation-state that was promoted during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries as an expression of political modernity.

Application of tàawun (mutual assistance) in cross-subsidisation of surplus among different takaful operators: an exploratory study in Malaysia

Purpose This study aims to investigate the possibility of practicing cross-subsidisation of underwriting surplus among different takaful operators. It responds to the recent discussion paper published by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) on broader application of tàawun (mutual assistance), which seeks insights into cross-tàawun of underwriting surplus within takaful industry. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, semi-structured interview is used to gather primary data, featuring 13 one-to-one interviews with selected Sharìah and operational experts in takaful. Open-ended questions are drafted according to BNM’s discussion paper to guide the interview. A content analysis method is used to delve into the topic based on scholarly papers, books and regulatory guidelines. A thematic analysis is applied to explore the qualitative data. Findings This study establishes the feasibility of cross-subsidisation of underwriting surplus in takaful. Given that participants are the rightful owners of the underwriting surplus, cross-tàawun is deemed permissible with participants’ consent. With the view that underwriting surplus belongs to the fund due to outright transfer of contributions by participants, the regulators have discretion to permit cross-tàawun. The authorities can make any decision if it serves the public interest. Furthermore, the study provides Sharìah and regulatory requirements to govern the practice of cross-tàawun in takaful. Respondents of the study advocate for policy reviews and regulatory adjustments to facilitate cross-subsidisation of takaful surplus. Practical implications This study significantly contributes to the existing body of knowledge in Islamic insurance studies. It offers valuable insights for the regulators to formulate the required policies and guides takaful operators to develop products accordingly. Moreover, the study supports Sharìah scholars in making informed decisions about cross-tàawun practices. Originality/value This study fills a critical gap in the existing literature by being the first to examine cross-subsidisation of underwriting surplus in takaful. The proposed cross-subsidisation of underwriting surplus will enhance sustainability of takaful funds and contribute to stability of takaful industry. As a foundation, this study encourages future research to explore other relevant aspects of cross-subsidisation of underwriting surplus in takaful operation.

Integration of Islamic Study in English Language Teaching (ELT) Based on Study Program at the University of Kh. Mukhtar Syafaat Blokagung Banyuwangi

English is an agreed language as a world/international language, so this course is a course or lesson that must be taken by all students and college students in Indonesia from elementary level to college as a compulsory course in the English Language Teaching (ELT) course series. UIMSYA Blokagung Banyuwangi is a pesantren-based higher education campus, so the purpose of this study is to find out the extent to which educators integrate ELT with Islamic / pesantren studies in accordance with their study program. This study aims to determine the extent to which educators integrate English language learning (ELT) with Islamic studies in accordance with their study program at the KH. Mukhtar Syafaat Islamic Boarding School Blokagung Banyuwangi. The research method used is Descriptive Qualitative which determines the subjects of this study are several lecturers and students with data collection techniques prioritized from interviews and supported by observation and documentation. From the process in the field, it is found that the implementation of ELT which is materially integrated with Islamic Studies has been carried out even though it is still not in totality, and this provides insight to students so that they can communicate about Islamic Studies using English.

Emic-Etic Distinction and Islamic Studies in Oslo/Norway

[KI-generert sammendrag] Teksten tar for seg emic-etic distinksjonen i forbindelse med islamske studier, spesielt i konteksten av akademia i Oslo, Norge. Emic refererer til innsikt som kommer fra innsiden av en kultur eller religion, mens etic representerer et utenfra-perspektiv som forsøker å forklare fenomenene objektivt. Studien analyserer islamske programmer ved ulike universiteter i Oslo, som MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society og Universitetet i Oslo. Det blir diskutert hvordan islamske studier ofte plasseres under religionsvitenskap eller historie, og ikke som en selvstendig disiplin, noe som påvirker måten islam blir undervist og forstått på. Forfatteren argumenterer for behovet for å diversifisere metodologiske og epistemologiske tilnærminger for å gi en mer nyansert forståelse av islam i den vestlige akademiske verden.

Methods, Methodologies, and Perspectives in the Humanities and Social Sciences with Particular Reference to Islamic Studies: A Critical Rationalist Interpretation by Ali Paya

Methods, Methodologies, and Perspectives in the Humanities and Social Sciences with Particular Reference to Islamic Studies: A Critical Rationalist Interpretation by Ali Paya

Gilles Kepel: Impish Like Voltaire

ABSTRACT Highlighting the two most recent books of French political scientist and philologist Gilles Kepel, this article follows the author’s four-decades-long intellectual journey, from his days as a doctoral student excavating Egypt’s Muslim Brothers in the late 1970s, to his early retirement from Paris’s École Normale Supérieure as a seasoned “elder statesman” of Arab and Islamic Studies in the aftermath of October 7, 2023. A gifted Arabist and prolific polyglot, Kepel is a rarity among public intellectuals, able to intelligibly articulate the complexities of our times’ Islam and Islamism with both Voltairean witty erudition,1 and epistemic modesty. As with the bulk of Kepel’s work, the books under consideration in this article probe contemporary Islam, and the challenges it poses to modern Western and Middle Eastern societies, with deliberation and discernment, bringing to bear a world of historical, theological, and philological knowledge, away from our times internet clicks, soundbites, and memes.

Decolonizing Javanese-Islamic Identity in the Discourses of Contemporary Indonesian Islamic Studies

Decolonizing Javanese-Islamic Identity in the Discourses of Contemporary Indonesian Islamic Studies

Analisis Peran Keuangan Syariah dalam Pembangunan Ekonomi

The role of Shariah finance in economic development has been the subject of increasing research and policy discourse. Although empirical evidence of the sharia financial impact remains varied and contextual, sharia finance has the potential to make a positive contribution to economic growth, financial stability, and social well-being. Nevertheless, there are still significant challenges and complexities in realizing the Sharia financial potential as a catalyst for economic development. The study aims to explain the multi-faceted contribution of Islamic finance to economic development. In this research the method used is qualitative method. A systematic review of literature is carried out to build a theoretical foundation, conceptual framework, and empirical evidence related to the role of Shariah finance in economic development. The review includes scientific articles, books, reports, and policy documents from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including economics, finance, Islamic studies, and development studies. The results of this study conclude that Islamic finance plays a role in promoting financial inclusion, encouraging investment in sustainable infrastructure and business, enhancing stability through risk-sharing mechanisms, and promoting ethical and socially responsible financial practices. By providing financial products and services in line with Sharia principles, Sharia financial institutions can meet the unique financial needs of various segments of society, thereby helping to reduce gaps in access to finance and enhance economic empowerment

The Meaning of Repentance According to Imam Ghazali and Semantic Analysis in the Qur'an: A Comprehensive Study

This study investigates the meaning of repentance as articulated by Imam Ghazali and its semantic representation in the Qur'an. By analyzing Imam Ghazali's interpretation of "taubat," the research delves into the spiritual, ethical, and psych thological dimensions of repentance in Islamic teachings. The study uses analysis descriptive as the method and it’s further conducts a semantic analysis of relevant Qur'anic verses to elucidate the concept's theological implications, including divine mercy, forgiveness, and justice. This comprehensive examination aims to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary semantic analysis, offering a nuanced understanding of repentance's role and significance in Islam. The findings contribute to Islamic studies, religious studies, and theological scholarship, providing valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of repentance or "taubat" and its contemporary relevance.

Dengan Filsafat Islam Sebagai Alat Menganalisa Secara Kritis Paradigma

The position of philosophy in Islam throughout history has experienced ups and downs of glorification and criticism. It is inevitable that when we discuss the position and even function of philosophy in the Islamic Studies approach, issues surrounding the harmonization of philosophy and religion will become the center of attention. Thus, Islamic education is a paradigm or educational model that is based on the values ​​of Islamic teachings. This education model has integrated its education system with an ideology that is based on the Koran and Sunnah as the main source of Islamic teaching principles.

KONTROVERSI PEMIKIRAN IGNAZ GOLDZIHER DAN IMPLIKASINYA BAGI PERKEMBANGAN TREN STUDI ISLAM PADA ABAD 19-21 M

The study of Islamic studies has been carried out by many Western orientalists, such as Ignaz Goldziher. His thoughts on Islam have invited various controversies from many parties. The purpose of this research is to examine the controversy of Ignaz Goldziher’s thoughts and its implications for the trend of Islamic studies in the west (19-21 AD). This research is a qualitative research with a historical approach and uses historical research methods consisting of heuristics, verification, interpretation, and historiography. The results and discussion in this study found five thoughts of Ignaz Goldziher in Islamic studies, namely: Ignaz Goldziher’s scepticism towards the Qur'an; Ignaz Goldziher’s classification of mufassir; differentiation of the meaning of hadith and sunnah according to Ignaz Goldziher; Ignaz Goldziher’s scepticism towards hadith; and Ignaz Goldziher's views regarding Islamic sharia law. Then, for the controversy of the implications of Ignaz Goldziher’s thoughts on the development of trends in Islamic studies in the 19th-21st centuries is the emergence of groups of supporters and opponents of his thoughts. From among the orientalists who support and agree, two of them are Roskeen Alexander Hamilton Gibb and Joseph Schacht. Meanwhile, those who oppose and disagree with him are Gregor Schoeler and Harald Motzki (orientalists) and ‘Abdul Muttalib and Mustafa al-Sibai (Islamic scholars). In conclusion, Ignaz Goldziher’s thoughts are diverse and spark controversy and not all of his thoughts can be justified.

Method of Allama Abul Fazl Al Borqaee (d 1413 H) in his Tafseer "Tabeshe az Quran"

The Quran, the cornerstone of Islam, underpins the faith, society, and civilization of the Muslim world. As the final divine revelation bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW), it was his duty to memorize and convey its teachings to his companions. This responsibility extends to the entire Muslim community, especially the ulamas (Islamic scholars), as the Prophet (SAW) emphasized the importance of learning and teaching the Quran. Through the dedicated efforts of ulamas, the Quran has been preserved from any alterations, fulfilling Allah's promise of protection. This research focuses on the translation methodology of Allama Burqaee, a distinguished Persian translator of the Quran. The significance of this study lies in recognizing Allama Burqaee's outstanding contributions to Islamic scholarship. He authored over a hundred works, including translations of the Quran and Hadith, and conducted extensive research on various religions and conflicting beliefs. His tafseer (exegesis) is particularly valuable for students of Islamic studies due to its comprehensive integration of Sunni and Shia scholarly perspectives and ease of access to primary sources. The choice of this topic is motivated by several reasons: (1) To acknowledge Allama Burqaee's efforts in opposing religious innovations (bida'). (2) To understand Allama Burqaee's approach to the Quran, Sunnah, and other Islamic sciences. (3) To highlight his inclusion of diverse scholarly opinions and contemporary ijtihad (intellectual striving). (4) To elucidate his emphasis on the importance of aqeeda (belief), a foundational aspect of Islam. (5) To discuss his call for Muslim unity based on the Quran and Sunnah. The research methodology involves following Allama Burqaee's approach without alterations, providing explanations and critical commentary when necessary. The steps include examining Quranic verses with references, analyzing Hadith and athar (traditions) from primary sources, considering scholarly consensus, and offering concise definitions and examples. This study aims to present a thorough understanding of Allama Burqaee's translation methods and their implications for Islamic scholarship.

Challenges and Solutions in Religious Guidance for Converts (muallaf) in Tanjung Beringin, Tanah Karo

This study investigates the primary challenges and potential solutions in the religious guidance of converts (muallaf) in Tanjung Beringin Village, Tanah Karo, North Sumatra. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. This study showed that the absence of continuous religious guidance, combined with the lack of permanent da’i, has weakened the religious understanding and enthusiasm among the converts. Additionally, parental neglect in supporting their children's religious education exacerbates this issue. The study proposes several solutions, including establishing collaborations with Islamic organizations and da'wah institutions to provide alternating da’i, appointing permanent Islamic religious instructors, revitalizing basic Islamic studies, and enhancing parental involvement in religious education. These measures aim to strengthen the religious identity and resilience of the convert community against external influences.

Analisis Sosiologi Hukum Islam Terhadap Aliran Sempalan: Ahmadiyah Qadiyani di Indonesia

This article aims to expose and examine the Ahmadiyah Qadiyani breakaway group in Indonesia through the lenses of sociology and Islamic law. Social contact and religious teachings, which are a rich source of Islamic theological thinking and include Ahmadiyah, are factors in the rise of Islamic sects. The presence of Qadiyani Ahmadiyya in Indonesia has become an interesting subject for sociological and Islamic legal studies. This research aims to analyze this phenomenon using a sociological and Islamic legal approach. Through a literature review, this study reveals the social dynamics that emerged with the existence of Ahmadiyah Qadiyani in Indonesian society, as well as the response of Islamic law to this sect. By considering the historical and social context, this analysis highlights Muslims' various pros and cons towards Ahmadiyah Qadiyani and its impact on relations between believers in Indonesia. This research also explores the implications of Islamic law for treating Ahmadiyah Qadiyani, including fatwas and legal regulations governing their existence. Thus, this study provides in-depth insight into the social and legal complexities associated with such splinter flows in Indonesia.