Religious Figures Research Articles

BEAUTY THROUGH TOUCH AND SIGHT: THE SCULPTURES OF THE SRI LAKSHMI VENKATESWARA TEMPLE, KADAPA

This paper explores the Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara temple, located in Devuni Kadapa, Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple has a rich history, with influences from various dynasties that ruled the region. The focus of the paper is on the art and sculptures found on the pillars of the Ranga Mandapa. These sculptures depict a variety of subjects, including religious figures, social and cultural activities, and scenes from daily life.The paper also discusses the concept of beauty in sculptures, drawing a distinction between free beauty and adherent beauty. Free beauty can be appreciated through sight and touch, while adherent beauty is related to the purpose or function of the sculpture. The paper concludes by acknowledging the importance of the temple for the local community and its role in preserving history and culture.

Local Wisdom of 3 (Three) Batu Tungku in Handling Pancasila-Based Conflicts

One of the Pancasila-based conflict management arrangements is the local wisdom of 3 (three) hearth stones. Local wisdom is 3 (three) hearthstones in handling conflict involving the Head of Government, Traditional Leaders and Religious Leaders. Conflict handling using local wisdom has not been implemented optimally, even though it really touches the basic part of community life itself, where the local wisdom of 3 Batu Tungku is carried out with a joint handling process within the family involving the village authority as Head of Government to control the course of the procession, Traditional Leaders play an important role as a liaison with the ancestors to carry out PAMALI traditional ceremonies, and the involvement of Religious Figures as a sign of belief in the God they believe in, these three institutions work together and maintain each other's calling duties when they function so that they do not leave behind grudges and hatred. The continuity of conflict management based on the local wisdom of 3 hearth stones carried out in Maluku, especially on Buru Island in Buru Regency, is also an answer to the recommendation for the creation of regional regulations to strengthen conflict management in the Republic of Indonesia region based on Pancasila as a follow-up to the implementation of the PKS Law and Regional Government Law and in accordance with the Principles 4 of the Republic of Indonesia Pancasila.

Local Wisdom in Sebambangan Traditional Marriage Practices: A Maqāṣid Sharī’ah Perspective

This research examines the traditional marriage custom of Sebambangan in Lampung. It involves a man abducting the girl he intends to marry without the consent of her family and taking her to his family's residence. This socio-legal research gathered data through interviews with traditional leaders, indigenous community members, and religious figures. Maqāṣid Sharī’ah is used as an analytical tool to address the social problems arising from the practice of Sebambangan marriage. The finding reveals that Lampung culture and Islam have been acculturated into the social system. The traditional marriage system in Lampung can be divided into two types: marriage through a formal proposal process, which is conducted as a grand traditional ceremony (gawei besar) or a simpler traditional ceremony (gawei kecil), and marriage without a formal proposal process, known as kawin larian (elopement), or in Lampung terms, kawin Sebambangan. It is part of the local cultural wealth; however, the series of traditional marriage processes must respect the applicable legal provisions and consider the main purpose of marriage. The Sebambangan marriage tradition, with its various processes, currently lacks the value aspects found in maqāṣid sharī’ah, especially the preferences of hifẓ an-nafs, hifẓ al-‘aql, and hifẓ al-‘irdh. It is hoped that the Sebambangan tradition, as a local cultural and wisdom asset in Lampung, can pay more attention to and consider important aspects of marriage, such as the maslahah (well-being) value, the main purpose of marriage in religion, and the protection of a sense of justice, so that local wisdom can be preserved and does not become a social problem for the community. This research is expected to serve as a reference for stakeholders to evaluate and oversee the practice of cultural preservation in harmony with universal values, such as well-being and justice

Molecular farming navigates a complex regulatory landscape.

Molecular farming, the practice of engineering plants to produce recombinant proteins, presents novel challenges and opportunities for domestic markets and international trade. This article explores the multifaceted risks associated with these biotechnological advancements, including public health concerns related to recombinant animal proteins produced in plants, cross-contamination and unintended allergens, and the necessity for stringent identity preservation systems to avoid past failures. On the global stage, the trade of such genetically engineered crops brings about unique regulatory concerns, underscoring the need for internationally harmonized policies and reevaluating existing low-level presence (LLP) thresholds to address unexpected allergens. Moreover, molecular farming ventures into complex religious and ethical territories, particularly affecting communities with strict dietary laws, such as Islamic, Jewish, and those following vegan or vegetarian lifestyles. Addressing these concerns requires a collaborative approach among scientists, regulatory bodies, industry leaders, and religious figures, aiming to foster an inclusive dialogue that navigates the ethical, religious, and environmental implications of integrating animal proteins into plant-based systems. Such efforts are essential for ensuring the responsible development of molecular farming technologies, contributing to a future of sustainable, secure, and inclusive food systems that respect diverse cultural and ethical values.

The Role of the Nawasena Kemala as an Added Economic Value for the Daleman Kidul Village

This service is an output of activities from the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology's Belmawa grant funding to PPK Ormawa HMJM Tidar University. This service activity aims to improve the quality of organic and non-organic waste processing in Daleman Kidul Village, Pakis District, Magelang Regency. The method for implementing PPK Ormawa HMJM UNTIDAR service activities is in the form of training and counseling, as well as the establishment of institutions at the village level to create sustainability of the waste processing program. The objects of this activity are residents' agricultural waste, residents' kitchen waste, and plastic waste which can still be used as handicrafts, while residual waste is collected for collective processing at the Magelang Regency Environmental Service. Internal partners involved in this activity include the Village Head, Village Secretary, Kadus, Babinsa, Bhabinkamtibnas, Tomas, religious figures. PKK mothers and Karangtaruna. Meanwhile, external partners in this activity include academics across universities in Magelang Regency, Bappeda Litbangda Magelang Regency,MySmash app, and various Department elements within the Magelang Regency Government. The tools and materials used are a set of tools for cultivating maggots, a shelter for making compost fertilizer, and supporting tools for making handicrafts. The result of this service activity is the organized handling of both organic and non-organic waste banks, as well as increasing public awareness in managing waste into economically valuable products.

The Struggle to Defend Minority Rights: The Role of Islamic Religious Counselor in the Realization of Religious Freedom

When the principle of tolerance is seen as an agreement on shared values, the forms of its practice can be diverse, even contradictory. On the other hand, the relationship between minority and majority groups in Indonesia continues to change over time, and this dynamic becomes a locus of control for the authorities. The government never ignores this problem. In addition to regulations, one of the facilities provided is the existence of Islamic Religious Counselors. The purpose of this study is to explain the role of Islamic religious counselors in realizing harmonious relations for minority groups in freedom of religion and belief. The research method used in this study is a qualitative method with descriptive analysis. The results of the study show the issue in understanding the extent to which the role of divine (heavenly) religious symbols is manifested in the social realm when the majority and minority groups of various religious believers interact with each other in a society, and when each different symbol touches each other intensely. Religious counselors can provide an important foundation for expressing religion amid diversity. The main thing that needs to be underlined is the moderate religious insight and attitude. This is what distinguishes a Islamic religious councelor from other religious figures although both convey religious messages through guidance and counseling activities. The efforts and roles of religious icouncelors are explained from the perspective of religious moderation, harmonization, and freedom of religion and belief. From the perspective of religious moderation, the councelors have a role as an agent of moderation, guardian of morals, and guardian of faith, while from the perspective of harmonization, the councelors have an informative and educative roles, the same thing also in realizing freedom of religion and belief.

Studi Etnobotani pada Ritual Keagamaan Tujuh Bulanan Masyarakat Kerinci

This study aims to classify and understand the variations and types of ethnobotany found in the seven-monthly religious rituals of the Kerinci people. This study is a type of qualitative research that uses descriptive methods. The research informants consisted of indigenous figures, religious figures, and members of the Kerinci community. Samples were taken from these various circles using the purpositive method of sampling.

Inkulturasi dalam Pertunjukan Wayang Wahyu: Katekese Iman Melalui Seni

After the Second Vatican Council, the Church showed an open attitude towards local cultural influences as an integral part of its pastoral mission. In Indonesia, the Church responded to this current by adopting various forms of inculturation that went beyond ritual and worship aspects. Br. L. Timotius Wignyosubroto, FIC, responded to this challenge by developing the concept of Wayang Wahyu as an innovative means of faith catechesis through art. Through the establishment of the Ngajab Rahayu group in Surakarta, Wayang Wahyu became a medium that combines elements of traditional Wayang Kulit art with biblical narratives from the Old and New Testaments, as well as religious figures such as the founder of the Order and saints. In every Wayang Wahyu performance, theological dimensions are manifested, such as the Trinity, Christology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, and Anthropology. Wayang Wahyu is not just a performing art, but also a creative instrument to instill Christian values and deepen faith catechesis in the local cultural context.

Legal Perspectives on Passampo Siri’ Marriage and Determination of Biological Father's Status in Sidenreng Rappang Regency

The controversy of passampo siri’ marriage in Bugis society and the determination of biological father from the perspectives of religious and traditional figures are discussed in Sidenreng Rappang Regency. Therefore, this research aims to understand the legal determination of passampo siri’ marriage and the establishment of biological father's status for child. Descriptive qualitative research uses primary data sources from community leaders, as well as traditional and religious figures through interviews and observations with an empirical sociological method. The results show that the reality of passampo siri’ in Sidenreng Rappang Regency is an alternative selected by parents for unmarried pregnant daughters disapproved of marrying the man responsible for preserving the family reputation. There is a divergence of opinions (ikhtilāf) among religious and traditional figures regarding the legal status of passampo siri’. Even though most informants agree that passampo siri’ is forbidden (harm) and invalid, some believe the concept is permissible and valid. The determination of child’s status does not differ according to the perspectives of religious and traditional figures in Sidenreng Rappang Regency. These groups assert that child born is not attributed to biological father.

Cultural Transformation of Kiai Leadership in Madura: From Religious Educators to Political Leaders

This research examines the transformation of kiai leadership in Madura, shifting from religious roles to political authority. This change reflects broader socio-political dynamics in Indonesia, where religious figures increasingly engage in politics. Madura, with its strong Islamic traditions, provides a vital case study to understand the factors driving this transformation and its impacts on local society and politics. Data was collected through field observations and interviews with nine informants, including three cultural figures, three academics, and three kiai. Key findings reveal that kiai leadership has evolved from a focus on education and social preaching to active involvement in nationalist political dynamics. Kiai now serve not only as spiritual leaders but also as influential political actors. This transformation is driven by socio-political changes in Indonesia, offering greater opportunities for religious figures in the political arena. Consequently, there has been a shift in the leadership structure and function within the Madurese community, with kiai assuming more complex and strategic roles. The significance of these findings lies in their contribution to academic literature and practical applications. For the academic community, this research provides new insights into the dynamics of kiai leadership in Madura, enriching the discourse on the intersection of religion and politics in Indonesia. Practically, understanding the transformation of kiai roles aids policymakers and community leaders in developing strategies to manage the relationship between religious institutions and politics. Additionally, these insights assist kiai and other religious leaders in navigating their evolving roles amidst ongoing socio-political changes.

The Perception of Parents on Early Marriage Cases in Lapandewa Kaindea Village

The aim of this research is to understand how parents perceive early marriage cases in Lapandewa Kaindea Village and to determine the impact of these perceptions. The study uses social action theory and employs a qualitative research method with a descriptive qualitative data analysis approach, collecting data through observation and interviews. The informants consist of four people: parents whose children married at an early age, parents whose children did not marry at an early age, and a religious figure. The results show the perceptions of parents whose children did not marry early, the perceptions of parents about the causes of early marriage, and the perceptions of the religious figure. The factors contributing to early marriage in Lapandewa Kaindea Village include pregnancy outside of marriage, education, economic conditions, and communication factors. The impact of parents' perceptions on early marriage cases.

نشر تعليمات القرآن وعلومه بمنطقة السند: الشيخ محمد إبراهيم السرهندي نموذجا

Muslim scholars have given remarkable importance to the Qur’an, deeply focusing on its study, memorization and interpretation across the world. Religious scholars of Sindh Region are also among the famous scholars in the world. They have been serving Islam since it’s advent in Sindh region and that’s why Sindh was awarded title of “Bab Ul Islam”. Among these scholars, the Sarhindi family who migrated from Afghanistan, served Qur’an and its sciences in the above-mentioned region quite well. This family and its religious prominent figures and scholars achieved a great repute in Islamic Studies. Those who provided academic services to Qur’an are Shaikh Abdurrahman 1315AH, worked on Tafseer e Jalalain and Shaikh Muhammad Hasan 1365 AH who wrote 28 books, some of them are related to Qur’an and its sciences, i.e. Qawaed-ut-tajweed and Lughat ul Qur’an etc. and Shaikh Abdullah Jan Shah Agha 1393 AH who wrote 37 books, some of them are about Qur’an and its sciences i.e. Mukhzin Ul Uloom Fil Qira’at etc. and Shaikh Muhammad Ibrahim 1432 AH, authored 20 books, including some of them are about Qur’an and its sciences i.e. Huqooq Ul Qur’an, and Shaikh Abdul Waheed who translated the Qur’an into Sindhi language which is available in audio CDs too. This research revolves around the efforts of Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim Sarhindi in the field of the Quran and its sciences. It will cover his biography, introduction to his books, his efforts for religious schools and preaching Islam and his deep connection with the Qur’an and its sciences.

The Debate Between Religious and Minangkabau Traditional Figures About Pagang Gadai (Pawn) Land in Agam Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia

This research aims to analyze the debate between religious and traditional figures over pagang gadai land in Agam Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This research is essential for religious figures to consider the practice of pawning that the community has carried out to be usury. It employed qualitative methods with a case research approach and used the maṣlaḥah mursalah theory to analyze the data. The primary data were obtained from informants, including religious leaders and members of the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI), Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and Muhammadiyah, as well as traditional figures comprising Kerapatan Adat Nagari (KAN) members. Some relevant books, literature, and journal articles were studied as secondary data. The study shows that the practice of pagang gadai is considered usury to religious figures but not traditional ones. Traditional figures view the practice of pagang gadai as belonging to bay’ al-wafā’, as it is a form of mutual assistance (ta’āwun) devoid of injustice but benefits both parties. The opinion of traditional figures on mutual assistance, based on the concept of benefit, is consistent with the maṣlaḥah mursalah theory that pagang gadai is valuable to society. Abstrak: Tujuan penelitian menganalisis perdebatan tokoh agama dan tokoh adat terkait pagang gadai tanah di Kabupaten Agam, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia. Penelitian ini penting untuk dilakukan karena praktek gadai yang selama ini dilakukan oleh masyarakat dianggap oleh para tokoh agama sebagai riba. Jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus dan teori maṣlaḥah mursalah digunakan untuk menganalisis data. Data primer diperoleh dari informan, yakni tokoh agama yang terdiri dari pimpinan dan anggota Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), dan Muhammadiyah, serta tokoh adat yang tergabung dalam Kerapatan Adat Nagari (KAN) sedangkan literatur buku dan artikel jurnal relevan dijadikan sumber sekunder. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa praktik pagang gadai dianggap riba oleh tokoh agama, namun tidak bagi tokoh adat. Tokoh adat memandang praktik pagang gadai termasuk dalam bay’ al-wafā’, karena merupakan bentuk gotong royong (ta’āwun) yang tidak mengandung unsur zalim namun menguntungkan kedua pihak yang mengambil manfaat darinya. Pendapat tokoh adat yang menitikberatkan pada konsep kemaslahatan, yakni tolong-menolong sejalan dengan teori maṣlaḥah mursalah bahwa pagang gadai dapat mewujudkan kemaslahatan di masyarakat.

Exploring the Ratib Tolak Bala Ritual in Langkat, North Sumatra: Analysis of Living Qur’an

<p class="06IsiAbstrak">This study aims to examine the phenomenon of the Ratib Tolak Bala ritual in the Naqayabandiyah Khalidiyah Tariqah in Besilam Village, Babussalam, Langkat, North Sumatra. This research is a field study with a qualitative descriptive method. The research subjects include community leaders, traditional figures, and religious figures. Data collection was done directly from primary sources through observation and interviews. The results show that the Ratib Tolak Bala ritual is a series of dhikr activities performed by a group of people after the Isha prayer, usually at night, collectively along the roads of Besilam Village. Its purpose is to repel and reject disasters and threats, solely as a form of seeking protection and safety from Allah SWT. The Ratib Tolak Bala ritual has three elements of value: cultural preservation, spiritual value, and social cohesion.</p>

The Role of Local Cultural Heritage in Community Empowerment: The Case of Gentur Lantern in Jambudipa Village, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Ngalogat is a type of pesantren tradition in Indonesia that is increasingly recognized as a local cultural heritage. However, there have been limited studies on the local potentials and assets in Jambudipa Village. This paper aims to explore the transformation of the Ngalogat tradition into new commodities, specifically Gentur lantern crafts, as a contribution to heritage studies. The research utilized a phenomenological approach involving observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that the preservation of Ngalogat as a Gentur lamp commodity is indirectly influenced by religious figures advising students (Santri) living in Jambudipa and promoting the iconic heritage to residents. This has led the local government to initiate One Village One Product program, involving locals in producing Gentur lamps. While the pesantren traditions were once viewed with suspicion during the Dutch colonial regime, the post-independence era has brought hope for preserving local cultural heritage as a national identity and a driver of national development. However, these potentials have not been fully realized as authentic crafts of the people. This study suggests that the government should assist local communities in nominating intangible cultural assets to the World Heritage Committee (WHC) to gain recognition and protection of local identity.

Kepemimpinan Agama Dan Dialog Antaragama

This research discusses the important role of religious moderation and interfaith dialogue in building a tolerant multicultural society. Using a qualitative approach, specifically through observation and complex literature study, this research explains the close relationship between religious moderation, interfaith dialogue, and the development of a multicultural society. Through theoretical and practical analysis, this research focuses on examining the synergy between religious leadership and interfaith dialogue as effective strategies in implementing religious moderation within the context of a multicultural society in Indonesia, and addressing challenges arising from religious differences. It emphasizes the importance of moderate religious education, the role of religious figures, and strategies of interfaith dialogue in creating harmony amidst religious differences. Findings of this research include: firstly, religious moderation as a principle that is fair, balanced, and tolerant, is key to preventing conflicts and maintaining harmony in a multicultural society. Secondly, the strategic role of religious leadership in promoting religious moderation through inclusive religious education, development of tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. Thirdly, the need for interfaith dialogue to create understanding and respect for religious freedom, as well as to strengthen tolerance through open and constructive interactions. Lastly, the importance of integrating religious moderation values into the curriculum of religious education is essential in shaping a moderate younger generation and supporting the development of a harmonious multicultural society. The conclusion of this research underscores the need for synergy between religious leadership and interfaith dialogue in promoting religious moderation. Interfaith dialogue and moderate religious education are found to be the main pillars in creating a tolerant and harmonious society. Through the integration of religious moderation in education and religious practices, a multicultural society will be able to develop attitudes that are more inclusive, tolerant, and accepting of differences.

How Foreign Religious Influences Contributed to Discriminatory Practices Against Women in Japan

This paper aims to argue how the intermingling between Japanese culture and cultures of other nations resulted in the lesser evaluation of women in Japanese religious circles. By analyzing religious texts and figures from the Jomon period (14,000 BCE–300CE) through to the twentieth century it can be observed that contact with foreign religions diminished the status of women in Japanese society. This highlights the links between the imported values from Buddhism, Confucianism and Christianity and the decrease in the veneration of women in Japanese religious contexts, increase in misogynistic understandings of women and slandering of once respected female rulers. These foreign influences continue to define the manner women in Japan are treated to this day.

Urgensi Bimbingan Penyuluhan Islam (BPI) Dalam Membentuk Karakter Remaja di Lingkungan Tembelok Kelurahan Mandalika Kecamatan Sandubaya Kota Mataram

This research aims to determine the urgency of Islamic counseling guidance in shaping the character of teenagers and to find out the supporting and inhibiting factors for implementing the urgency of Islamic counseling guidance in shaping the character of teenagers in the Tembelok Neighborhood, Mandalika Village, Sandubaya District, Mataram City. This research uses a qualitative approach. This approach is used so that the author can gain a broad and in-depth understanding of the urgency of BPI in shaping the character of teenagers in the Tembelok Neighborhood, Mandalika Village, Sandubaya District, Mataram City. The research results show that Islamic Counseling Guidance (BPI) is very important. First, BPI helps direct teenagers to the path of goodness with strong supervision from parents and religious figures. Second, BPI instills religious values ​​from an early age to direct youth's piety and faith. Third, BPI helps develop an attitude of awareness in teenagers with love, patience and coaching. Meanwhile, supporting and inhibiting factors in shaping adolescent character include the existence of Islamic Counselors and the active role of religious and community leaders as supporting factors, while environmental complexity, difficulty in controlling adolescent self-control, character formation from an early age or during puberty, negative environmental impacts, and lack of affection. from parents as an inhibiting factor.

Diskursus Toleransi Agama dalam Podcast #LogIndiCloseTheDoor

Social media offers a new space for disseminating ideas about religious tolerance. Efforts to suppress the spread of religious-based radicalism and intolerance have been carried out by various state institutions, organizations, religious figures, and influencers in the digital space. One of the digital media that is quite popular in spreading the idea of religious tolerance lately is the #LogIndiCloseTheDoor podcast initiated by Deddy Corbuzier and hosted by Habib Ja'far. This study focuses on the message of tolerance in the #LogIndiCloseTheDoor podcast. Using the library research method, the results of this study illustrate that the messages of tolerance contained in this channel are found in episodes 18, 26, and 28. In these episodes, several messages of religious tolerance suit the principles of tolerance taught by Islam, namely al-hurriyah al-diniyah and al-insaniyyah.

Predictors of insecticide-treated bed nets use among pregnant women in Sierra Leone: evidence from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey

BackgroundMalaria remains a significant public health threat in Sierra Leone, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn children. Infection during pregnancy can lead to severe consequences, including maternal anaemia, low birth weight, premature birth, and even death. Therefore, preventing malaria during pregnancy is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes. This study investigated the predictors of insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) use among pregnant women in Sierra Leone.MethodsThe study analysed the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey data (SLDHS). The study comprised a total of 900 pregnant women aged 15–49 years, representing the nationally representative sample. A multivariable binary regression analysis was used to explore the predictors of ITN use. The regression results were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe study found that the prevalence of ITN use among pregnant women was 64.2 [60.4, 67.9] in Sierra Leone. Pregnant women who were married [aOR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.32, 3.07] had higher odds of bed net use than those who were unmarried. Pregnant women with five or more children [aOR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.01, 2.84] had higher odds of mosquito bed net use than those with four and below children. Pregnant women living in the Northern, Northwestern, Southern and Western regions all had lower odds of bed net use than those in the Eastern region, with the lowest odds among those living in the western region [aOR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.09, 0.40]. Pregnant women who were Muslims [aOR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.41, 0.95] had lower odds of mosquito bed net use than Christians. Pregnant women with female household heads [aOR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44, 0.95] had lower odds of mosquito bed net use than those with male household heads.ConclusionITN use among pregnant women in Sierra Leone remains suboptimal. Marital status, parity, sex of household head, region and religion were associated with bed net use. The government and policymakers in Sierra Leone should integrate ITN education and distribution into prenatal care services, emphasizing the benefits for both mother and baby—partnering with healthcare providers to raise awareness and encourage consistent use. Involve local leaders, religious figures, and mothers' groups to promote the benefits of ITN during pregnancy. Educate husbands and partners on the importance of ITN use during pregnancy and encourage their support in its consistent use.