Religious Understanding Research Articles

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.

Analogi Pesan Dakwah dalam Membangun Pemahaman Agama Terhadap Mad’u

The development of social media in the digital era is increasingly rapid and offers many choices, making the da'wah process easier and faster to convey to the wider community. In this fast-paced and instant situation, preachers are required to be more creative, intelligent and interesting in delivering da'wah messages and ready to face various da'wah challenges. Dai must also be observant in choosing da'wah methods as a communication strategy so that da'wah messages are easily understood by mad'u, one of which is by using analogies. This study aims to determine the extent of the influence of the analogy of Gus Baha's preaching message on Youtube videos in building religious understanding of mad'u and what are the supporting and inhibiting factors of Gus Baha's preaching in building religious understanding of mad'u. This type of research is descriptive research with qualitative methods and phenomenological approaches. The research subject here is Gus Baha's video lectures on several Youtube accounts. The object of this research is the comments of the audience of Gus Baha's study in understanding the da'wah message conveyed. The data collection techniques are observation and documentation. The data analysis used is content analysis.The results of the study show that Gus Baha's method of da'wah analogy through Youtube is able to create a relaxed, entertaining atmosphere, the explanation is simple and easy to understand, so it is in great demand by the wider community.

Uncovering the Relationship between Political Policy and Religious Understanding with Political Participation: A Historical Approach

Political participation is one of the factors that can affect government policies. However, public political participation is volatile, depending on influencing factors. This research aims to uncover the relationship between political policy factors and religious understanding and political participation. The research was conducted on the Samin community of Tapelan Village using an oral history research method through interviews with 5 resource persons, including 2 Samin figures from Tapelan Village, 1 official from Tapelan Village, and 2 Muslim leaders from Tapelan Village. The results of the study show that there is a relationship between political policy and religious understanding of political participation. The policy of taking over the management of the Bola teak forest during the Netherlands colonial government encouraged the growth of Saminism (Agama Adam) where the political participation of the Samin community was apathetic. Meanwhile, the development program on the spiritual and mental aspects encourages the religious conversion of the Samin community to Islam where the political participation of the Samin community is spectators and gladiators which is indicated by participation in election activities, active lobbying, and establishing contact with Tapelan Village government officials to convey the aspirations of the community, and active in organizational activities even though it is only at the village government level.

The Controversy of Child Marriage Culture in The Perspective of Maqāṣid al-Usrah: A Case Study of The Authority of Lebe' in Brebes

This research is backdroped by the role of Kiais (religious figures) whose opinions regarding the permissibility of child marriage are widely followed by their local community. It aims to investigate the relevance of child marriage law in the Regency of Brebes from the perspective of maqāṣid al-usrah. This research was conducted in Banjarharjo, Pararaja, Banjaran, and Brebes districts of the Regency of Brebes by employing legal anthropology and Ushul al-Fiqh approaches. The theories used in this research are internalization theory and maqāṣid al-usrah. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The practice of child marriage in Brebes society is, in principle, irrelevant to the concept of maqāṣid al-usrah, which was theoretically explained by Jamal al-Din 'Aṭiyyah. This research found that religious understanding that is internalized in the community traditions resulted in a fiqh product entitled Kitāb al-Nikah authored by an Indonesian ulama and the authority of Lebe' which has had a significant influence on the practice of child marriage in Brebes Regency. The practice of child marriage should not only be based on authoritative texts but also requires consideration of 'āqil bāligh as well as consideration of suitability, namely rushd (capability) as well as considering maqāṣid al-usrah, regulating the relationship between men and women (tanẓīm al-'alaqah bayn al-jinsayn), realization of peace, love, and compassion (taḥqīq al-sakn wa al-mawaddah wa al-raḥmah), maintaining religion in the family (hifz al-tadayyun fi al-usrah), regulating the essential aspects of the family (tanẓīm al-jānib al-mu'assasī li al-usrah), and Family Financial Regulation (tanẓīm al-jānib al-māl li al-usrah).

BRAINWASHING SCHEMES AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH RADICAL POTENTIAL THROUGH STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

This study aims to examine the psychological aspects of brainwashing schemes among adolescents with radical potential within student organizations at University X. Adolescence is a period of contradictions, where psychological stability is often fragile, and emotions can be difficult to control. This instability can lead to behaviors that undermine national unity, as evidenced by the growing tendency of youth toward religious radicalism. According to data from Babel Review (2019), based on a 2017 survey by the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), the Bangka Belitung Islands Province ranks fifth nationally in radicalism potential within educational settings. The rise of religious radicalism is often rooted in fragmented religious understanding, misinterpretation of religious texts, and political and economic deprivation, as noted by Azyumardi Azra. This study employs a qualitative methodology to explore the internal cadre training processes within radical organizations, particularly focusing on the brainwashing techniques used in recruiting new members. The findings reveal that these brainwashing practices are systematically and structurally implemented within such organizations, posing a serious threat to social harmony and national unity. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the radicalization process among adolescents and provides insights into more effective preventive strategies through educational and psychological interventions.

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.

Strategi Dakwah Radio BHASA FM dalam Meningkatkan Pemahaman Keagamaan Masyarakat Situbondo

This article examines Bhasa FM radio's da'wah strategy in increasing the religious understanding of the Situbondo community. Radio has been known for a long time as a medium for conveying information, education and entertainment to the public. However, it is different for Bhasa FM Situbondo radio, a radio whose orientation is not only on these three things but more on the domination of Islamic preaching. Seeing that modern society currently tends to be less interested in religious studies in mosques or prayer rooms, it is hoped that radio can be an alternative in filling and providing religious nutrition for Situbondo Muslims. The research uses field research methods. The researcher looked directly into the field in conducting observations, interviews and documentation studies, to collect complete data and then carry out descriptive analysis to then look for an answer to the focus of this paper. Bhasa FM radio's da'wah strategy uses a sensory da'wah strategy (al-manhaj al-hissy) which is also called an experimental strategy or scientific strategy which is oriented to the five senses and adheres firmly to the results of research and experiments. Bhasa FM Radio invites audiences to join online or off air, apart from that there is also social media such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and so on. Apart from that, there is also an external approach, namely data produced by Nielsen surveys, once a month. The aim of this strategy is to find out the age, social and economic status of the listener and all demographic aspects of the listener.

The Spiritual Odyssey of Pi Patel in Yann Martel's Life of Pi

Yann Martel's novel, "Life of Pi," intricately weaves the spiritual journey of its protagonist, Pi Patel. This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Pi's exploration and growth in religious understanding, marking a compelling odyssey through Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. This essay examines Pi's encounters with these faiths, the conflicts arising from his multifaceted beliefs, and the overarching theme of spirituality that binds his remarkable tale.

Modern Religious Movements: Female Scholars as Agents of Change

This research examines the role of female clerics as agents of change in modern religious movements in the Muslim world. Using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, this study identifies, evaluates, and summarizes findings from various studies regarding the contribution of female ulama in encouraging social change, education, and religious policy. Data was collected from various databases indexed by Scopus, Eric, and Google Scholar, covering the publication period 2010-2024 using the PRISMA technique. Of the 301 articles, 40 were selected as research data. The findings show that female ulama play an important role in promoting inclusive religious understanding, fighting for women's rights, and developing progressive Islamic education. They also challenge traditional norms and influence religious policies to be more responsive to contemporary issues. However, female ulama face various challenges, including socio-cultural barriers. This research concludes that female ulama have significant potential as agents of change, but further support is needed to overcome the challenges they face.

Strategi Dakwah Penyuluh Agama Islam Dalam Peningkatan Pemahaman Praktik Ibadah Kemasyarakatan

Islamic religious outreach activities by Islamic Religious Counselors play an important role in increasing religious understanding in the Indonesian Islamic community. Even though the number of Islamic religious instructors is still very minimal, changes related to religious understanding in society are considered quite significant and are felt by the community. This research seeks to determine the Islamic Religious Extension Strategy carried out by Islamic Religious Counselors to increase understanding of community worship practices in Lubuk Linggau Ulu Village, Lubuk Linggau Barat 2 District, Lubuk Linggau City. The research was carried out by observing the activities held by Islamic Religious Counselors who provide religious counseling in the Lubuk Linggau Ulu sub-district and conducting in-depth interviews regarding the program of activities carried out. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods. Researchers in observations and interviews found that Islamic Religious Counselors in Lubuk Linggau Ulu Village, Lubuk Linggau Barat 2 District have implemented extension programs, especially programs related to increasing understanding and skills in community worship practices. The results of the research show that Islamic religious instructors in the Lubuk Linggau Ulu sub-district, Lubuk Linggau Barat 2 sub-district are implementing strategies by selecting priority programs, namely programs to increase community understanding, especially in terms of community worship practices because skills in caring for corpses, the knowledge of tajwid and understanding of the fiqh of daily worship are very important. useful and useful in society.

PERSPEKTIF AL-QUR’AN TENTANG TOLERANSI BERAGAMA

The Al-Quran's perspective on religious tolerance is part of the attitude of bringing peace, ease, openness of heart, respecting differences without insulting each other and carried out consistently and sustainably. Both in essence and natural teachings, ingrained and rooted. The application of all of this is being able to build unity and oneness between the nation's children in building national and state harmony and obeying the religion they adhere to. The type of research used is library research, using reference sources in the form of books, tafsir books, journals, documents and so on. The Al-Qur'an perspective on religious tolerance is reflected in four categories; First, be smart in increasing religious understanding, second, do not risk your beliefs in the name of religious tolerance. Third, do not spread hate speech by insulting, making fun of, criticizing, or calling someone who is of a different religion, ethnicity or race with bad titles; and fourth, do not force other people to embrace the teachings of the religion they adhere to.

Insights into Herding Behavior in Indonesian Islamic Banks

Objective—This study investigates the phenomenon of herding behavior among investors in Indonesia's Shariah banks. In this situation, market participants tend to follow prevailing market trends without engaging in comprehensive fundamental analysis. Methodology/Technique – Specifically, the research examines the influence of investors' religious understanding as a mediating variable on their decision-making processes within the Shariah financial sector. Notably, the study addresses whether investors are more inclined to mimic market movements or rely on independent analysis when investing in Sharia-compliant banks. It is commonly observed that rumors can precipitate rash trading decisions among investors, leading to the buying or selling of shares even in the absence of substantial changes in asset fundamentals (Bommel, 2003). Findings – Employing a quantitative approach, this study utilizes path analysis to explore the impact of religious understanding on herding behavior. Although prior research has extensively investigated herding behavior, the introduction of religious understanding as a mediating variable offers a new dimension to assess the correlation between religiosity and market behavior. This aspect has not been widely examined in previous segmentations. The sample comprises data from 15 Islamic Banks in Indonesia, analyzed using associative data analysis techniques with AMOS software. Findings indicate significant positive relationships between stock returns and herding behavior, trading volume and herding behavior, and the level of Islamic understanding and herding behavior in these banks. Novelty – However, these relationships do not hold when Islamic understanding is applied as a mediating variable. This suggests that the level of religious understanding acts as a direct influencer rather than a mediator in herding behavior among investors in Indonesian Islamic banks. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: G41, D81, C58. Keywords: Herding behavior, Stock returns, Trading volume, Level of Understanding of Islam Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Kamaludin; Usman, B; Susanti, W. (2024). Insights into Herding Behavior in Indonesian Islamic Banks, J. Fin. Bank. Review, 9(1), 27 – 37. https://doi.org/10.35609/jfbr.2024.9.1(1)

The Role of Majlis Taklim in Medan City: Institutional Growth, Religious Education, and Social Transformation

This study examines the historical and social development of Majlis Taklim in Medan City, focusing on its institutional evolution, the expansion of religious education, and its significant role in community empowerment. Using a qualitative methodology with a historical and social science approach, the research reveals how Majlis Taklim has grown from informal gatherings into structured institutions that not only provide religious education but also serve as centers for social and humanitarian activities. The findings highlight three key aspects: the social and political factors behind the establishment of Majlis Taklim, its formal institutional development, and the diversification of activities to include technology, social media, and targeted programs for different segments of society. Additionally, Majlis Taklim’s collaboration with governmental and religious organizations has strengthened its role in promoting Islamic values while addressing contemporary social issues. The study also identifies challenges such as limited resources, leadership issues, and the need for modernization to maintain relevance. The research concludes that Majlis Taklim plays a crucial role in shaping religious understanding, fostering social cohesion, and contributing to the social welfare of Medan’s Muslim community.

Peran Guru Sosiologi Dalam Menanamkan Sikap Toleransi Paham Keagamaan Di Lingkungan Pesantren

This research is based on researcher's concern that Islamic boarding school graduates, especially those with a Salaf background, have an exclusive mindset when they return to society they are less able to implement their mission as religious agents in the social environment due to being surprised by the diversity of society and sects in Islam. This is because the graduates of Islamic boarding school believe that anything that is not the same as what they understood is a mistake. Therefore, formal school teachers have a role and duty as a lens to provide insight for students in the current era where Islamic boarding schools have intensively built formal institutions in their environment. To explore this problem, the researcher formulated the research focus as follows: 1.) What is the role of the Sociology teacher in instilling an attitude of religious tolerance in the Islamic boarding school environment for X grade students at SMAI Sunan Gunung Jati Tulungagung? 2.) What are the Sociology teachers' efforts to instill an attitude of religious tolerance in X grade students at SMAI Sunan Gunung Jati Tulungagung? 3.) What is the impact of the role of sociology teachers in instilling tolerance of religious understanding in the pesantren environment on class X students at SMAI Sunan Gunung Jati Tulungagung., to determine the efforts of Sociology teachers in instilling an attitude of religious tolerance in the Islamic Boarding School environment in X grade students at SMAI Sunan Gunung Jati Tulungagung, to know the impact of the role of sociology teachers in instilling religious tolerance in X grade students at SMAI Sunan Gunung Jati Tulungagung. This research used descriptive qualitative research by using a case study approach. The methods used in this research were participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Meanwhile, the data analysis techniques used were data reduction, data presentation and inference. In checking data validity, the researcher used extended participation, persistence or regularity of observation and triangulation. The result of the study showed that 1.) The role of sociology teachers in educating students about religious tolerance is to teach, guide, train, assess, evaluate and provide direction to students by providing feedback to exchange ideas and insights in the discussion process, then give understanding in sociology materials and train students to respect differences 2.) Teachers’ effort in instilling an attitude of religious tolerance in students by strengthening character education. Then, by using learning media such as showing or displaying videos related to actions of religious tolerance, providing hot issues that exist in community life about lack of tolerance in religion. Besides, students are given concrete examples of teachers' attitudes 3.) Impact of the role of sociology teachers in educating an attitude of religious tolerance is that the students have a better insight of the importance of tolerance. In its implementation, there are changes in students' attitudes towards knowledge and understanding so that students' character is formed.

The Relationship between Islamic Education and Global Ethics in Building Humanistic Awareness in the Post Truth Era

In a post-truth era marked by disinformation and mistrust of facts, it is important to consider the role of Islamic education and global ethics in building a humanistic awareness. Both have the potential to be drivers in overcoming the growing crisis of confidence and social polarization. This research explores the relationship between Islamic education and global ethics in the context of strengthening humanistic awareness. Through analysis of literature and case studies, the study highlights the importance of integrating humanist values, such as tolerance, justice, and empathy, into the curriculum of Islamic education. Moreover, a critical and reflective approach to disinformation as well as an emphasis on cross-cultural and religious understanding in a global ethical context are also identified as key factors in promoting humanistic awareness. The results of this research offer new insights into how global Islamic education and ethics can work together to produce individuals who are more aware of human values in the face of the challenges of the post-truth era. In conclusion, close collaboration between Islamic education and global ethics can help build a strong foundation of humanistic consciousness for a more inclusive and harmonious society in the future.

Psychological or Theological Dynamics of Students who Wear Cadar at Islamic Universities in Indonesia

Cadar is a type of veil worn by some Muslim women that covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible. Several studies have been carried out with the primary aim of exploring the use of this veil in Islamic colleges. These explorations identified several significant elements contributing to the usage of cadar, including psychological and ideological issues, both of which have not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, the present study aims to fill these gaps through the use of the reality of fiqh and psychological techniques. To achieve the stated objective, data were collected from 22 UIN Datokarama high school graduates who were assigned to participate in lifts, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). The obtained results showed that three factors namely, the need for stability, the possibility of personal development, and the propensity to emulate an adored figure, served as psychologically motivating factors to students. Furthermore, the reality of fiqh was observed to suggest that the use of cadar is not necessarily accompanied by a strong religious understanding of its significance. This fact reinforces previous results that the adoption of cadar in Islamic colleges is more psychological than theological. Within the context of the present study, new facts emphasizing psychological and theological fragility among university students were uncovered and stakeholders are expected to address these facts when dealing with the phenomenon at Islamic universities.

Pengaruh Pembelajaran PAK Terhadap Perubahan Sikap Siswa Kelas V dan VI di SD Katolik 2 St. Joseph Woloan

Learning is a process in which individuals acquire new knowledge, skills, values, or attitudes through experience, teaching, or training. Catholic Religious Education (PAK) is considered a means of increasing religious understanding and forming students' social attitudes towards their surrounding environment, including parents, friends and teachers at school. This research aims to explore the influence of PAK Learning on Changes in Attitudes of Class V and VI Students at St. Catholic 2 Elementary School. Joseph Woloan. The research population consisted of 61 students in grades V and VI who were active members of the school. A sample of 53 students was determined using the Slovin formula to produce representative generalizations. The main instrument used was a questionnaire with 30 statements, distributed directly to the selected sample. The collected data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25 for Windows application. The research results show that PAK learning has a significant influence in shaping students' attitudes, with a contribution of 81% to the observed attitude changes. This shows that this learning program plays an important role in shaping and directing students' attitudes in accordance with the values ​​taught.

Syarifah Salwa Al-Attas dan Majelis Nururrahmah: Menguatkan Muslimah di Medan

This study aims to examine the role of Syarifah Salwa Al-Attas and the Nururrahmah Assembly in strengthening the position and role of Muslim women in Medan. Syarifah Salwa Al-Attas is an influential Muslim female figure in her community, while the Nururrahmah Assembly is an organization focused on empowering women through religious education, skill development, and quality of life improvement. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method, this research collects data through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The results show that Syarifah Salwa Al-Attas has successfully inspired many Muslim women in Medan to be more active in social and religious life. The Nururrahmah Assembly has provided various programs that not only enhance religious understanding but also strengthen the economic and social capacities of its members. The study concludes that the combination of inspirational leadership and comprehensive empowerment programs is highly effective in strengthening Muslim women in Medan, making them more independent and competitive in various aspects of life.

Ramadan Recitation Activities 1445 H in Increasing Employee Religion at the Ministry of Religion of Nganjuk Regency

This article discusses the implementation of Ramadan recitation activities at the Nganjuk Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs in increasing spiritual awareness and employee religiosity. In this context, the hadith that emphasizes the importance of worshipping Allah as if we see Him serves as the foundation for the recitation activity. Despite the importance of these activities, there are challenges in increasing employees' interest in attending them, such as boredom, time constraints, digital distractions, and lack of purpose or vision. The research was conducted using a qualitative method through interviews, observations, and documentation to evaluate the implementation of Ramadan recitation activities. The results showed that Ramadan recitation is an important tool to increase faith, piety, and religious understanding. The recitation program is carried out simply by involving religious expert speakers and the goal is to get closer to Allah SWT and increase worship. The author provides solutions to increase employee interest in participating in Ramadan recitation, including creating a pleasant atmosphere, adjusting activity schedules, involving members in planning, and conveying the importance of maintaining worship. Thus, the Ramadan recitation activity at the Nganjuk Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs is not only a place to increase spiritual awareness, but also a means to get closer to God and increase worship.

Otoritas Pengetahuan Islam di Ruang Virtual: antara Inklusivisme dan Eksklusivisme bagi Pemustaka UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya

Islamic authority continues into the era of information technology development, the most striking thing is the shift in authority in the current era. Virtual space has become a connecting bridge and producer of religious knowledge for Muslims. Every Muslim is their own authority, Muslims produce their religious understanding on each of their social media accounts. The question is whether religion in virtual spaces has lost its prominence in religious knowledge, or has this virtual world become a platform for spreading inclusive teachings. This research uses qualitative methods, by taking field data and then processing it with several theoretical perspectives. The result of the study in this research is that the presence of virtual space has given rise to a new typology of Islamic authority within the academic scope of UIN Sunan Ampel, namely virtual world Islamic authority