ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin

From Qitāl to Moral Transformation

Muhammad Hasdin Has, Achmad Abu Bakar, Moh. Safrudin, Abdul Muiz Amir — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study explores the transformation of the concept of qitāl within the historical discourse of Qur’anic exegesis, particularly in relation to verses often associated with warfare. The issue has gained increasing relevance in the context of Islamophobia and widespread misconceptions that frequently link Islam to violence. By employing a genealogical approach to Qur’anic exegesis, this research aims to trace the transformation of the meaning of qitāl from the pre-Qur’anic era to contemporary exegesis. The findings reveal that while qitāl initially referred to physical combat with a brutal connotation, it evolved into a concept imbued with moral and spiritual dimensions within Islamic teachings. This shift continued across the exegetical discourse from the classical to contemporary periods, where qitāl no longer solely emphasizes physical warfare but encompasses non-physical struggles that contribute to discussions on social justice and global peace. This transformation has been shaped by various social and political contexts, as well as by the agents involved. These influences indicate an ongoing dynamism in Qur’anic interpretation, reflecting its adaptation to global developments, particularly in response to Islamophobia and the narratives that associate Islam with violence.

Is Islamic Philosophy ‘Islamic’?

Muhammad Luthfi Dhulkifli — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper critically examines the ongoing debate surrounding the Islamic nature of Islamic philosophy by engaging with key Qur'anic narratives and philosophical discourses. The central question addressed is whether Islamic philosophy can genuinely be classified as “Islamic”, considering its amalgamation of Greco-Roman and Persian intellectual traditions. In common, Islamic philosophy addresses themes familiar to broader philosophy, but it does so from an Islamic perspective, using the language and context of Islamic civilization. By analyzing the works of prominent Muslim philosophers, including al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, and al-Ghazali, the study explores how their interpretations and methodologies align—or diverge—from the foundational texts of Islam. Additionally, this paper highlights how Qur'anic narratives have been employed within Islamic philosophical thought to construct ethical, metaphysical, and theological frameworks. In conclusion, the “philosophical discussion of Islamic issues” is considered to be representative term for Islamic philosophy as it captures its essence and clarifies debates about its origins, actors, and focus discussions.

Discourse on Skeptical Orientalist Methodology in the Study of Qur'anic Codification

Iqrom Faldiansyah, A. Muh. Azka Fazaka Rif’ah, Muh. Rizaldi — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The skeptical Orientalist discourse regarding the historical issue of the codification of the Qur'an, which is often stereotyped as being antagonistic towards the Qur'an, exhibits a heterogeneity of methodological approaches. The emergence of diverse methodologies among skeptical Orientalists is influenced by various underlying factors, leading to different implications as well. This study aims to examine the various methodologies proposed by skeptical Orientalists concerning the history of the canonization of the Qur'an. The diversity of methodologies, driven by differing interests, illustrates that the study of the codification of the Qur'an arises from scientific objectives rather than solely from an antagonistic stance towards the Qur'an. To substantiate this argument, the study employs qualitative methods, using primary data from the works of John Wansbrough, John Burton, and Alphonse Mingana, which are then analyzed using the pre-understanding theory developed by Hans Georg Gadamer. The study demonstrates that the diverse pre-understandings possessed by skeptical Orientalist figures, which subsequently give rise to specific objectives in studying the historical issues of the codification of the Qur'an, contribute to the heterogeneity of methods utilized in their studies. For instance, John Wansbrough employs modern Gospel studies—which have proven capable of liberating Gospel studies from fundamentalist tendencies—as a methodological basis in the study of Islam in general and the study of the Qur'an in particular, bringing it into the same skepticism developed in modern Gospel studies. This has implications for the importance of positioning the process of writing the Qur'an as a human process that can be tested, selected, proven, and objectively verified.

The Dissemination of Hijrah Doctrine on Social Media

Fathurrosyid, Moh. Asy'ari Muthhar, Abd. Kahar, Wan Khairul Aiman Wan Mokhtar — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research examines the process of disseminating the hijrah doctrine on social media, as well as the themes and motives attached to its dissemination. This study is a literature review using a virtual ethnography research model. Through a traveling theory approach, the study finds that: First, the dissemination of the hijrah doctrine on social media is predominantly carried out and shared by urban Muslims and millennial Muslims. Second, common themes used to disseminate the hijrah doctrine include Islamic clothing, early marriage propaganda, bank interest, and motivation for building an Islamic Caliphate state. These themes are disseminated through Hijrah Fest events, social media study groups, the narrative of agency socialization through artists and celebrities, and Islamist literature. This study argues that the dissemination of the hijrah doctrine on social media constitutes a form of religious commodification, with a larger agenda of promoting the movement to establish an Islamic Caliphate state.

Unpacking Soft Radicalism among Indonesian State Islamic University Students

Fazlul Rahman, Faiqotul Mala — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Radicalism remains a significant threat to global security, manifesting in various forms, including violent and non-violent approaches. In Indonesia, soft-radicalism—a non-violent form of radicalism that subtly spreads extremist ideologies through digital platforms—poses a growing threat, particularly among Muslim students at State Islamic Universities (PTKIN). This study examines the experiences, views, and attitudes of Muslim students toward soft radicalism, focusing on their exposure to radical content on social media. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the study reveals that students frequently encounter provocative content that challenges state legitimacy and promotes alternative socio-political systems like the caliphate. While students display critical awareness of these narratives, the persistent exposure facilitated by social media algorithms underscores the need for “inclusive digital navigation skills” for them. The skills to wisely and critically navigate the digital world, filter out potentially damaging information and interact in positive, inclusive, and respectful ways of diversity.

Initiatives for Religious Moderation in West Sumatra

Rusyaida D, Noor Fadlli Marh, M Taufiq, M Fadhli, Sabri — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah (ABS-SBK) remains deeply embedded in the idealized worldview of Minangkabau society in West Sumatra, serving as a foundational philosophy that harmonizes tradition and Islam. However, contemporary religious dynamics demand adaptation, particularly concerning religious moderation, as West Sumatra is often perceived as deficient in this aspect due to its strong religious identity. This study explores the strengthening of religious moderation through strategic initiatives based on ABS-SBK in three regencies—Tanah Datar, Agam, and Lima Puluh Kota—culturally known as Luhak Nan Tigo, the historical heartland of the Minangkabau ethnic group. Qualitative interviews reveal that each luhak responds to the challenges of modernity through distinct approaches: Tanah Datar relies on traditional authorities and historical sites, Agam reinforces its identity as a Madani (civilized) district, while Lima Puluh Kota emphasizes managing social diversity. This study argues that the Minangkabau people ought to ideally achieve a higher religious harmony index than their current standing. It seeks to position these efforts within the ABS-SBK framework as local wisdom, the identity of Islam as a minority, and its relation to maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah.

Female Ulamā and Religious Moderation in Indonesia

Zunly Nadia, Nur Faizah — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The term ulamā is not exclusively associated with men but also includes women. However, despite the recognition of female ulamā, male ulamā continue to dominate public perception in Indonesian Muslim society, particularly in the realm of fatwās. As a result, the significant contributions of female ulamā remain largely undocumented in the historical development of Islam in Indonesia. Given the extensive yet often overlooked role of female ulamā, the establishment of the Indonesian Congress of Female Ulamā (Kongres Ulama Perempuan Indonesia, KUPI) and the Association of Female Islamic Boarding School Leaders and Preachers (Jam’iyah Perempuan Pengasuh Pesantren dan Muballighah, JP3M) marks a significant development. These two institutions serve as platforms for female ulamā to convene and assert their influence through various scholarly and social activities. This study uses a qualitative research approach, with data presented in a descriptive narrative format. A qualitative approach is chosen to enable an in-depth exploration of the role of KUPI and JP3M female ulamā in promoting religious moderation in Indonesia. This approach enables a contextual analysis of both the subjects and objects of study, preventing the risk of overgeneralization of the observed phenomena.

Revisiting the Legacy

Ansor Bahary — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The study of the hadith of Ghadīr Khumm has long been at the center of the Sunni-Shiʻa polemic. While previous research primarily focused on analyzing the sanad (chain of transmission) and matan (text), contemporary Shiʻa scholarship has increasingly employed it as a tool to continuously reinforce the doctrine of imāmah and counter Sunni epistemic dominance. This study examines how the hadith of Ghadīr Khumm is utilized in Shiʻa academic discourse by exploring the extent to which the polemic surrounding this hadith has evolved beyond mere authentication and how it functions in response to Sunni historiography. The findings indicate that, although many Sunni sources acknowledge the authenticity of the hadith of Ghadīr Khumm, stark differences in interpretation have led Shiʻa scholars to continue engaging with this hadith academically. This ongoing engagement is driven by the perception that the dissemination of Sunni perspectives remains a dominant force that must be challenged. Recent trends reveal that academic studies are increasingly directed toward integrating hadith interpretation into civilizational narratives as a response to marginalization. However, despite appearing innovative, the underlying argumentative patterns largely follow established precedents. This study opens avenues for further research into how hadith texts hold strong foundational value, ensuring their continued role as primary references in asserting theological legitimacy and shaping the identity of religious sectarian communities within Islam.

Keywords: Hadith of Ghadīr Khumm, Sunni-Shiʻa polemic, discourse defense