Urban Muslim Research Articles

Urbanization, relational space, and practicing Muslim ethnicity in Western China

ABSTRACT In recent decades, market reforms, inter-regional mobility, and urbanization have shaped Muslim groups’ social practices, simultaneously encouraging the development of Islamic places (and reinforcing Muslim identity), promoting intermingling with other ethnic groups (and promoting assimilation), and occasionally creating inter-ethnic class solidarity and mutual respect. By the mid-2010s, in western China’s Xining City, the resulting social fluidity stemming from these transformations was being constrained by both community social pressures and state security practices. Furthermore, Sinocentric urbanization discourse was influencing intra-group debates about what, and how, Muslim practices could belong in the city. This discourse affected mundane boundary-marking practices; its relative devaluation of ethnic urban spaces shaped what Muslims considered excessively ‘traditional’ or acceptably modern. Drawing from theories in urban geography, I argue that analyses of relational spaces that include mobility, urban redevelopment, and lived experiences are key to understanding how urban Muslims are adapting to contemporary PRC governance strategies.

Dinamika Transformasi Tasawuf Era Modern: Neo-Sufisme dan Gerakan Islam Transnasional

This article examines the dynamics transformation of Sufism in the modern era. Sufism in the modern era appears running into transformation both in terms of its concept and movement. From the aspect of the concept of Sufism, modern Sufism is running into a transformation, namely neo-Sufism. Likewise, in the network aspect of the Sufism movement in the modern era, Sufism moves dynamically, from a local movement to becoming a network of transnational Islamic movements. This research is qualitative research using transnationalism theory as an analytical tool and historical studies as an approach. In this research, at least two findings were found. First, the presence of neo-Sufism is a form of transformation of classical Sufism teachings. The concept of neo-Sufism tends to be balanced (tawazun) between exoteric and esoteric aspects and can be a spiritual alternative for urban Muslim communities. Second, modern Sufism can be categorized as a representation of a transnational Islamic movement, as a non-governmental movement structured across countries in terms of thought, spiritual and political movements. The main route behind the transnational Islamic movement of Sufism is through da'wah, trade and immigrants. Keywords: Sufism, Neo-Sufism, Transnationalism, Transformative

THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC LAW IN THE EQUITABLE DIVISION OF JOINT ASSETS POST-DIVORCE WITHIN URBAN SOCIETY: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF ITS APPLICATION IN BANDUNG HIGH RELIGIOUS COURT

This research examines the legal certainty of joint property, defined as assets jointly acquired by spouses during marriage, particularly within the context of urban Muslim society. Using a descriptive-analytical method, it explores the relevance of joint property in the lives of married couples and its division post-divorce. The study highlights the legal ambiguities in Indonesia's current framework, particularly in Law No. 1 of 1974 on Marriage and the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI). These regulations often fail to address modern family dynamics, such as when the wife is the primary breadwinner. This gap has resulted in inconsistent rulings in religious courts, particularly in urban areas where economic roles and gender dynamics are rapidly evolving. Focusing on the Bandung High Religious Court, the research emphasizes the importance of equitable asset division that reflects fairness, justice, and the lived realities of urban Muslim families. Findings suggest that while courts generally provide justice and legal certainty, there is a growing need for updated legal interpretations that accommodate changes in societal roles and expectations.

The Rise of Tahfiz Schools in Contemporary Indonesia

This article discusses the rise of tahfiz schools in contemporary Indonesia which were pioneered by the Salafis and PKS-affiliated groups (PAGs). While tahfiz has been preserved for centuries among traditionalist Muslims, the tahfiz schools the Salafis and the PAGS promoted were integrated into school systems that also offer sciences. As a result, tahfiz schools are popular among urban Muslims who expect their children to be able to read the Holy Quran better while at the same time equipping them with sciences. This allows them to enroll at public universities. Even though tahfiz schools are relatively expensive, they never lacked students. Small, middle-size, and large tahfiz schools have been established across the country and exclusive tahfiz schools are equipped with libraries, gyms, computer labs, laundry facilities, cafés, and theatres. These facts have changed the long-established image of madrasa and Islamic schools which were seen as rural and poorly organized. The commodification of Islam is eventually inevitable and tahfiz schools have become an integral part of this process. They have become an important political issue since the 2010s.

The Phenomena of Hijrah and the Rise of Middle-Class Muslims in Banyumas: Agency, Articulation, and Domination

This study examines the religious phenomenon practised by middle-class Muslim communities in Banyumas. Middle-class Muslim society plays an essential role in social changes. Educational and economic levels and broader social networks identify these community groups. The critical question is how this community group is in its religious context. This research is a field research with a sociological approach. The researcher uses Anthony Giddens' theory to see the dynamics of religion comprehensively. The primary data comes from understanding and practising the diversity of the Muslim community itself, as well as observing three urban mosques: the MBJS Mosque, the FZ Mosque, and the MGI. The secondary data comes from bulletins, journals, books, media, etc. The research concludes that middle-class Muslims make efforts to contextualize the fundamental conception of hijrah with the reality of modern urban Muslim society. However, it is still general and symbolic. The articulation of understanding is manifested in the life of religious issues and issues such as staying away from usury, music, and so on. Understanding that tends to be textual is inseparable from the structure and agents surrounding it.

‘Urban, modern and Islamic’: The politics of muslim Men's fashion in Malaysia

This article focuses on the cultural politics of contemporary urban Muslim men's fashion in Malaysia. By looking at the debates surrounding these Muslim men's fashion trends and based on my observation in Muslim men's fashion boutiques and other urban spaces, this article explores how masculinity, ethnicity and Islam implicate each other. Most Malay Muslim men wear baju Melayu (traditional Malay clothing) during the festive seasons. However, there have been evolving trends in Malay men's fashion. The jubah (a long Arabic robe) and kurta (a long upper garment which many South Asians wear) have become popular, especially among segments of young Muslim men in urban Malaysia. The popularity of jubah a decade ago prompted some observers to worry about an ‘Arabisation’ or the perceived growth of Islamic conservatism. However, as I observe, the jubah in Malaysian fashion industries has been adapted to the local taste and fashion trends; hence, it is a modern and creative adaptation of ‘Arabness’ instead of a form of sweeping ‘Arabisation’. Since 2018, there has been a trend of wearing tanjak (traditional Malay headgear) to assert Malay political power and cultural identity. From modern appropriation of ‘Arabness’ to the contemporary reinvention of traditional Malay costume, urban Malay Muslim men's aesthetic expressions reveal the mediation of religious and ethnic identities amidst rapid urbanisation and socio-political change in contemporary Malaysia. How should an ideal Malay Muslim man dress? This debate reveals the politics of different versions of Islamic piety and Malay identity in Malaysia today.

Transforming the Religious Enthusiasm of Urban Muslims in the Choosing of Elementary-Level Education in Purwokerto, Indonesia

This paper aims to analyze religious enthusiasm that does not continue after the primary school period is over and instead shows contrasting situations. Urban Muslims in Purwokerto, Indonesia, show high religious enthusiasm when choosing primary schools for their children. The number of public elementary school students has declined in the last five years, while Madrasah Ibtida'iyyah has increased dramatically. This research is field-type with data sources from urban Muslims who choose Madrasah Ibtida'iyyah as a primary school choice for their children. The data were analyzed qualitatively using a sociological approach. The study found that the religious enthusiasm of urban Muslims is pragmatic. Their pragmatic nature is shown by the resistance of different social groups that give rise to covert conflicts. In addition, they form new communities that actively represent them in public spaces. This finding has implications for a change in the perspective of the phenomenon of religious enthusiasm from theological awareness to a new trend of community-based urban Muslim pragmatism. Further research recommended the representation of the new identity of Muslim communities in virtual public spaces. Tulisan ini bertujuan menganalisis antusiasme keagamaan orang tua yang tidak berlanjut pada jenjang pendidikan setelah Sekolah Dasar dan justru menunjukkan situasi yang kontras. Muslim perkotaan di Purwokerto, Indonesia, menunjukkan antusiasme agama yang tinggi dalam memilih Sekolah Dasar untuk anak-anak mereka. Jumlah siswa Sekolah Dasar Negeri mengalami penurunan dalam lima tahun terakhir, sebaliknya Madrasah Ibtida'iyyah meningkat secara drastis.. Penelitian ini berjenis lapangan dengan sumber data dari kelompok muslim perkotaan yang memilih Madrasah Ibtida'iyyah sebagai pilihan sekolah dasar untuk anak-anak mereka. Data dianalisis secara kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan sosiologis. Studi ini menemukan bahwa antusiasme keagamaan muslim perkotaan bersifat pragmatis. Sifat pragmatis mereka ditunjukkan melalui perlawanan dan menimbulkan konflik terselubung. Selain itu, mereka membentuk komunitas baru yang secara aktif merepresentasikannya di ruang publik. Temuan ini berimplikasi pada perubahan perspektif fenomena antusiasme keagamaan dari kesadaran teologis ke kecenderungan baru pragmatisme. Penelitian lebih lanjut merekomendasikan representasi identitas baru komunitas muslim di ruang publik virtual.

Impulse Buying Behavior of Generation Z Urban Muslims on Shopee

<p><em>This study aims to analyze the effect of flash sales and free shipping taglines on impulse buying behavior among Generation Z urban Muslim users of the Shopee marketplace. The research design employs quantitative methods with a sample size of 97 Generation Z urban Muslim respondents in Banjarmasin City. The data analysis utilizes multiple linear regression. The results showed that flash sale significantly affects impulsive buying behavior, while the free shipping tagline has no significant effect. This study contributes to providing empirical evidence about the behavioral preferences of Generation Z urban Muslim consumers, especially impulse buying behavior in online shopping. In the context of marketing, e-commerce platforms must consider the distinctive characteristics of Generation Z urban Muslims when developing promotional strategies to boost sales.</em></p>

Islamic Underground Movement: Islamist Music in the Indonesian Popular Music Scene

Since the fall of the New Order regime in 1998, music has become a site of religio-political resistance among the new Islamist generation in Indonesia. This research examines the emergence of Islamist music on the Indonesian underground music scene to show the deepening influence of the Islamist movement among urban Muslim youth and the shifting strategy of the new Islamist generation from structural politics to cultural politics. The emergence of Islamist music indicates how a new generation of Islamists negotiates an Islamist worldview with contemporary popular culture. By maintaining the aggressive character of underground music, they adopt the Western popular culture as a code of resistance against the secular cultural hegemony. They also use popular music as a cultural approach or a strategy to promote the Islamist ideology to all urban Muslim youth.

Redefining Religious Moderation Education for Urban Muslim Youth

Religious moderation has been a government policy since 2015, aimed at countering radicalism and extremism. However, the hierarchical implementation of the program has led to the labeling of "moderate" and "conservative", and the policy's understanding remains unclear among the community, especially the middle class and youth. Despite the government's campaign, intolerance persists. This research aims to review the religious moderation policy and explore how urban Muslim youths could contribute to religious moderation education. The method involves in-depth interviews with urban Muslim youths in Manado and Semarang and critical analysis of relevant documents. The findings suggest that urban Muslim youths prioritize religious moderation through intensive dialogue and gatherings. Current educational practices should incorporate these informal approaches to be more effective. The inclusion of urban Muslim youths in religious moderation education appears to be a promising way to encourage religious moderation in Indonesia. This highlights the need for religious moderation implementation to be responsive to public aspirations.

Cancer-Related Health and Educational Needs and Faith-Based Health Beliefs in an Urban Muslim Population

Cancer screening behaviors in Muslims are under-researched, and there is limited data on how it relates to their unique cultural and religious beliefs. We assessed cancer prevention and screening-related health needs in the Washington DC area. We developed the needs assessment questionnaires and recruitment strategy in collaboration with key faith leaders from four mosques in our catchment area. A total of 203 participants were recruited through community outreach and engagement approaches and were included in the discussion when developing the needs assessment to ensure questions were religiously and culturally sensitive. Of the 203 participants, 56% of women reported receiving screening for a mammogram, while 83% of women reported receiving a screening for cervical cancer. Among men, 45% reported receiving a prostate cancer antigen test to screen for prostate cancer. Among both men and women, 35% reported ever receiving a screening for colorectal cancer. Women reported relying more on their faith when dealing with health concerns than men. Those who did not get screened for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer relied more on their faith than those who did get screened for these cancers. Participants expressed interest in having health initiatives around cancer education, screening, and survivorship inside mosques. Faith beliefs can influence cancer screening behaviors; however, the relationship between these two variables needs further examination. Continued engagement with key faith leaders can help in leveraging religious beliefs to promote health education and cancer screening.

Piety and commercialization da’wah: the influence of Hanan Attaki's Kajian on young urban muslims in Indonesia

Urban youth's growing piety and social media's expansion are intertwined, as shown by the resurgence of influential relocated people. Modern youngsters are disinterested in religious theology and prefer digital preachers who can answer their inquiries quickly. This has changed youth religion, which the media business has exacerbated. Thus, some renowned da'i, notably in Indonesia, use the internet to spread da'wah. Hanan Attaki, a famous preacher, often addresses youth issues on social media. Mental health, loneliness, future fear, and sin remorse are common concerns. This study aims to analyze piety and commercialization of da’wah which is Hanan Attaki’s case in kajian towards young urban Muslims in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative case study method and literature review as an additional reference. Data collection using interview and documentation techniques such as journal articles, books, and information from the internet as secondary resources. The result of this study the success in commercializing Ustadz Hanan Attaki's influence preaching can be categorized as first, branding suitable for young people's da'i, second, specialization, such as his being an expertise in da’wa from his education journey, and third, building social contacts, which is a process where media and technology can penetrate geography such as social media or internet.

The Recent Traditionalist Turn in Indonesian Islam After Conservatives: How its Engagement towards Urban Muslims

The recent Indonesian Islamic wave in Indonesia appears to be inclined towards a traditionalist turn. This turn specifically denotes the ascendancy of traditional Islamic teachings as the forefront in Indonesia. The resurgence of traditionalism has consequently led to a decline in the influence of conservatives, that has dominated public preferences from the 2000s to early 2014. While these new waves are likely to persist due to strong government support for religious moderation programs. They provoke both favorable and unfavorable perspectives among urban Muslims. In light of this contentious stance, this paper seeks to explore why urban Muslims display a reluctance towards the traditionalist shift. To address this inquiry, the research employs critical discourse analysis based on literature reviews. The primary finding of this discussion is that as the traditionalist movement extends its influence into urban environments, urban Muslims communities tend to align themselves with conservative ideologies. This poses a challenge for traditionalists aiming to alter religious preferences in urban areas.

Film dan Mode Ekspresi Keagamaan Masyarakat Muslim Urban

This research aims to explore the evolution of modes of religious expression in films and understand how urban Muslim communities are represented through religious modes in cinematic works. This research involves the analysis of film as a form of cultural and religious representation, particularly in Muslim urban environments. Through an examination of films representing various time periods, this research will trace the development of religious fashion in Muslim urban contexts. Several approaches are found in looking at the modes of religious expression of Muslim communities in films, namely traditional, contemporary, critical and inclusive modes. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide a deeper understanding of the role of film as a medium for religious expression and how the evolution of religious fashion reflects the dynamics of urban Muslim society. In addition, analysis using four different approaches is expected to provide comprehensive and contextual insight into the complexity of religious expression in urban cinematic contexts.

Casual But Sunnah: Zaafer Indonesia and the Metamorphosis of the Robe as Fashion in Urban Muslim Communities in Indonesia

This article discusses the shift in the image of robes from Muslim clothing (sacred or religious) to casual clothing (profane or everyday). In the context of this article, the robes produced by Zaafer Indonesia represent a change in the orientation of Indonesian Muslim OOTD from initially tending to be conservative to becoming fashionable and stylish. In this research, clothing is considered a complex sign system. On a piece of clothing, there is a message that the wearer wants to convey. By using the Saussurean semiology paradigm, this article understands that in clothing there is a system of signifiers and signifieds. Clothing is a language (language of fashion) that is built from the language and parole system. The research results show several semiotics in the robes of Zaafer Indonesia products. There is Saussure's synchronic linguistic concept, which is related to several dichotomies, such as signifier, signified, parole, and langue

SHARIA IN PUBLIC SPACE: COMMUNICATION MODELS IN THE ADOPTION OF ISLAMIC SHARIA IN URBAN MUSLIM SOCIETY IN LANGSA, ACEH

The application of Islamic law in Langsa City is currently still reaping the pros and cons, until now the application of Islamic law is not going well. Good communication is needed between the government and the people of Aceh to build harmony in the application of Islamic law. This article aims to analyze the communication model built by the Langsa City government for the Urban Muslim Society to socialize the implementation of Islamic law. This paper is generated from empirical research with a qualitative approach, the main data obtained from in-depth interviews with parties directly involved in policy-making and implementing Islamic law in Langsa City. The results of the study show that there are several communication models built by the Langsa City government in the application of Islamic law, including; First, the interpersonal communication model that focuses on a personal approach, so that the message that reaches the community is more concrete and there is no miscommunication; second, the mass communication model that focuses on the pattern of delivering messages through several media such as social media and print media. The use of social media and print media is very useful in disseminating Islamic law, although, on the one hand, the mass communication model carried out by the Langsa City government is not able to reach remote areas that cannot access information technology. The communication model is carried out as a form of government authority in the enforcement of Islamic law in Langsa City because when religion enters the state system, the implementing authority belongs to the government.

Urban Muslims and Educational Choices for Children

The modernization of city life has triggered anxiety among urban muslims regarding the future of their children’s education. This condition was triggered by a shift in the orientation of general education which provides a smaller portion of children’s moral-religious education material. Urban muslims (especially the upper middle class) ultimately see Islamic boarding schools, madrasas, and modern Islamic schools (integrative curriculum-based or Integrated Islamic Schools/IIS)—which provide a larger portion of moral-religious material—as alternative schools for their children. their child. This qualitative study using Max Weber’s social action theory approach and literature review analysis method tries to analyze the factors behind upper-middle class urban parents choosing Integrated Islamic Schools (IIS) as a place to study for their children. This study concluded that internal factors (the importance of inheriting religious values), external factors (the influence of an increasingly religious social and family environment), and performance factors (parents’ personal motives) were the three main factors that became dominant motives.

RELIGIOUS DIGITAL LITERACY OF URBAN MUSLIM SOCIETY IN INDONESIA: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

The current era of disruption is marked with the rapid flow of information on the internet, including religious content. The emergence of the internet clearly has a positive influence although there is also a negative impact. This article aims to determine the use of information and communication technology products in the context of religious literacy and religious digital literacy in urban communities in Indonesia. This research is a library research with a systematic literature review (SLR) approach. Sources of data in this study came from books and journal articles with a reputation in accordance with the theme or content of the discussion, totaling 58 references and published in the last 5 years. The analysis technique uses content analysis. The findings from the results of this study are that information and communication technology products have been widely used in many sectors of human life, including religion. Users who have gadgets or laptops (PCs) make it a tool for accessing religious content with the help of the internet. This is influenced by the dependence on the internet and a variety of religious content that is increasingly massively spread in cyberspace, especially for urban Muslim communities. Religious digital literacy can be used as a real solution to educate the public about access to digital information. This digital literacy can be used as a provision and foundation for someone to face the current digital era, so that they are not only able to access and find information. But more than that, it is hoped that information can also be validated by referring to the source of origin.

THE ENCOUNTER OF DA’WAH DIGITALIZATION WITH URBAN MUSLIM CULTURE

This research aimed to explore the encounter of da'wah digitalization with urban Muslim culture. The attention on this topic was due to the concern about the dislocation of traditional da'wah activities because of the demands of a fluctuating, fast-paced, and dynamic urban culture associated with the transformation from conventional to digital media. A virtual ethnography approach was applied with the data collected through Google Trends and analyzed manually. The results showed that da'wah media, such as images, videos, memes, animations, and podcasts, was becoming a significant trend among netizens. The media was associated with speed, effectiveness, as well as time and cost efficiency in delivering da'wah messages, which was particularly relevant for urban Muslim with fast-paced and hectic lifestyles. Da'wah digitalization also reinforced the urban Muslim culture of instant religious fulfillment. However, the tendency to consume da'wah materials instantly was associated with the risk of disseminating inaccurate religious information and disrupting the fragmentation of religious authority. This showed the need for careful monitoring and management of digital da'wah content to ensure the quality and sustainability of balanced religious education in a dynamic urban context.

Strategi Hastag” 2019 Ganti Presiden” Sudrajat-Ahmad Saikhu Dalam Pilkada Jawa Barat 2018

This research analyzes the 2018 West Java Provincial Election, more specifically the case of the hashtag campaign strategy, “2019 to Replace the President”, on the increase in the votes for the Sudrajat-Ahmad Saikhu ticket. The research method is qualitative and the type of research is descriptive-analytic. Data are collected through in-depth interviews and library research. The research finds that the movement had the following impacts: First, it contributed to the voting preference of those who previously had voted for Prabowo Subianto in the 2014 general election. Second, the other candidate Deddy Mizwar’s supporters switched sides to the Sudrajat-Ahmad Saikhu ticket due to the still strong sentiments of the 212 movement for the urban Muslim population. Third, the increase in vote share for the Sudrajat-Ahmad Saikhu ticket was partly shared by the fact that the Regencies of Bogor, Bekasi, and Sukabumi, as well as the Cities of Depok and Bekasi were PKS and Gerindra strongholds