Jurnal Lektur Keagamaan (ISSN: 2620-522X (online), ISSN: 1693-7139 (print), DOI: 10.31291/jlka, Accreditation No. 152/E/KPT/2023 (SINTA 2)) is a scholarly journal published twice a year (June and December) by the Puslitbang Lektur dan Khazanah Keagamaan Badan Litbang dan Diklat Kementerian Agama (Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage, Agency for Research and Development and Training, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia) since 2003. Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia Number 33 of 2024 concerning the Organization and Work Procedures of the Ministry of Religion, the name of the Level II unit, originally called the Research and Development Center for Religious Literature, Religious Treasures, and Organizational Management, which was under the Level I unit, the Agency for Research, Development, and Training, has changed to the Center for the Assessment of Religious Books, Literature, and Religious Literacy [Pusat Penilaian Buku Agama, Lektur, dan Literasi Keagamaan] under the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia. 2003-2023 The focus and scope JLKa: The focus and scope of this study are studies on religious literature and heritage, including the studies of classic and contemporary religious manuscripts, religious history and society, religious archaeology, and religious arts on the scope of Nusantara. 2024 - Now, The focus and scope JLKa: Since Vol. 21 No. 01 2024, the focus and scope of this study are studies on the Religious Literature of Nusantara/Indonesia and beyond, including: Religious Books: Researching the historical development, textual analysis, and cultural significance of religious books. Modern Literature: Examining traditional and contemporary literary works that encompass religious themes, analysing their significance and relevance. Digital Literature: Exploring the impact of digital technologies on religious texts, examining new forms of digital religious literature, and studying the implications for interpretation and transmission. This journal adopts a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating sociological, anthropological, ethnographical, hermeneutic, critical discourse analysis, post-modernism, linguistic, big data and public policy methodologies. By engaging in these diverse perspectives, the journal seeks to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the Religious Literature of Nusantara/Indonesia and beyond, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and advancing knowledge in this field.
Center for Research and Development of Religious Literature and Heritage, Agency for Research and Development and Training, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
Narrative Hermeneutics as Digital Tafsīr: Reconstructing Qur’anic Meaning and Religious Authority on Instagram @NadirsyahHosen_Official
This study examines emerging trends in digital Qur’anic interpret-tation by analyzing how Nadirsyah Hosen employs narrative hermeneutics on his Instagram account @nadirsyahhosen_official. Existing research on digital tafsīr has largely focused on thematic content, presentation style, or audience interaction, yet little attention has been given to the use of storytelling as an interpretive method. This study fills that gap by investi¬gating how narrative structures function as hermeneutic tools in interpret¬ting Sūrah al-Falaq and al-Nās. The research employed a qualitative design that integrates two forms of data: Instagram posts containing Hosen’s story-based interpretations and user comments responding to these posts. Narrative analysis based on Labov and Waletzky’s framework is applied to identify the structural components of the stories, while netnographic analysis is used to examine audience reception patterns. The findings show that Hosen’s interpretations consistently incorporate key narrative elements such as orientation, complication, evaluation, resolution, and coda, which enhance communicative clarity and contextual relevance. Audience res¬pon¬ses cluster into four dimensions: emotional spiritual engagement, epis¬te¬mic trust in religious authority, social communitarian bonding, and educational pragmatic learning. These results demonstrate that narrative hermeneutics strengthens interpretive authority and fosters participatory religious discourse in digital environments. The study concludes that storytelling functions not only as a rhetorical device but also as an epistemic strategy that reshapes Qur’anic interpretation in the digital age. It recommends further exploration of narrative based tafsīr across diverse platforms and audiences.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yusrina Salma, Zahrotul Kamilah, Ahmad Zaidanil Kamil, Fejrian Yazdajird Iwanebel, Muhamad Irfan Maulana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Qawāʿid al-Tafsīr as an Epistemological Model for Valid Qur’anic Interpretation: A Comparative Analysis of Marāḥ Labīd and al-Miṣbāḥ
The growing circulation of ideologically driven and methodology­cally inconsistent Qur’anic interpretations highlights the absence of a clear epistemological standard for assessing interpretive validity. This study addresses this gap by examining Qawāʿid al‑Tafsīr as a structured episte­mo­logical model capable of guiding reliable Qur’anic interpretation. Using qualitative data derived from primary tafsīr texts, the study employ­yed a comparative hermeneutical method and critical textual analysis to evaluate two influential works in the Nusantara tradition: the nineteenth century Marāh Labīd by Shaykh Nawawi al‑Bantani and the contempo­rary Tafsīr al‑Miṣbāḥ by M. Quraish Shihab. The analysis is organized around five epistemological pillars that function as analytical domains, namely exegetical competence, ethical integrity, textual understanding, socio cultural contextual awareness and methodological coherence. The findings show three key patterns. First, both exegetes consistently apply these principles, demonstrating their normative relevance across historical contexts. Second, Nawawi al‑Bantani emphasizes textual stability and doctrinal continuity through classical linguistic analysis and transmitted readings. Third, Shihab prioritizes contextual relevance by employing thematic coherence and maqāṣid oriented reasoning. These differences illustrate the adaptability of Qawāʿid al‑Tafsīr to diverse interpretive orientations. The study concludes that Qawāʿid al‑Tafsīr provides a dynamic and universal framework for safeguarding interpretive validity. Its application strengthens Qur’anic hermeneutics in pluralistic societies and offers a practical tool for mitigating deviant interpretations while promoting responsible exegetical practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdur Rokhim, Sahlul Fuad, Cemal Sahin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Gender and Religiosity in Indonesian Popular Media: An Anthropological Reading of Cultural Representations
Digital media have become central sites for the production, circulation, and negotiation of religious meaning among young Muslims in Indonesia. While existing studies on religion and social media often rely on quantitative indicators of religiosity or focus on isolated platforms, they rarely examine how everyday digital practices function as culturally meaningful religious texts. This study addresses this gap by conceptualizing social media content as a form of popular digital religious literature within the broader Nusantara Islamic literary tradition. Drawing on qualitative digital ethnography and digital literary analysis, the study examines multimodal content produced by Indonesian Muslim youth on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X, including captions, visual Qur’anic quotations, personal narratives, and performative displays of piety. The analysis situates these digital texts within anthropological theories of lived religion, gender, and mediated authority, highlighting how religious identity is constructed through narrative, aesthetics, and platform-specific affordances. The findings show that digital platforms do not merely transmit religious messages but actively reshape religious expression by generating new genres, redefining authorship, and reconfiguring religious authority, particularly in relation to gendered piety. By framing social media practices as platformed religious literature, this study contributes to scholarship on digital religion, Islamic studies, and anthropology by demonstrating how contemporary Indonesian Islam is articulated through hybrid literary forms shaped by both tradition and algorithmic culture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nuraisa Jafar, Munsi Lampe, Marlisa J. Muhammad, Darlisa Muhammad, Ahmad Ismail Guntur, Andi Hasyim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Religious Legitimation of Early Marriage in Indonesia Through Nusantara Islamic Classical Texts
This study explores how religious legitimate early marriage by referring to Nusantara Islamic classical texts (kitab kuning). The study treats kitab kuning not only as collections of legal rules but also as formative religious literature that actively shapes social values and cultural norms. Using textual analysis, critical discourse analysis, and interpretive anthropology, the research examines influential texts such as Uqud al-Lujjayn, Fath al-Qarib, and I’anat al-Talibin. The analysis identifies three central findings. First, the texts themselves display inter­nal ambiguity because they simultaneously promote ethical protection and allow permissive legal interpretations. Second, religious leaders interpret these texts in divergent ways, as some adopt literal readings while others apply contextual approaches. Third, these interpretive choic­es operate within broader socio-economic and patriarchal power relations that selectively activate textual authority to justify early marriage practices. The study argues that the persistence of early marria­ge does not stem directly from textual commands. Instead, it emerges from ongoing negotiations among textual ambiguity, interpretive autho­rity, and social structures. By emphasizing this process, the study highlights the decisive role of interpretive communities in managing contradictions within classical texts and stresses the importance of addressing both textual meaning and social context when designing intervention strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Isra, Hamka Naping, Ahmad Ismail Guntur, Ahmad Arham Mallu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Religious Language in Kalindaqdaq (Mandar): Lexicon and Metaphor in an Islamic Oral Tradition
Academic research on religious expression in Indonesia has long emphasized written sources, while it often overlooks oral traditions such as Kalindaqdaq, an oral poetry of the Mandar people that actively conveys Islamic teachings. This research gap appears because previous studies rarely examine how lexicon and metaphor operate linguistically within this tradition. This study therefore examines how Kalindaqdaq constructs religious values by combining philosophical, linguistic, and anthropolo­gical perspectives. This qualitative study analyzes Lontara manuscripts through philological methods, observes Kalindaqdaq performances ethno­g­raphically, and examines recorded performances using content analysis. The metrical analysis shows that performers consistently apply an 8-7-5-7 syllabic pattern in 98% of the verses. The lexical analysis reveals that Arabic theocentric terms account for 45% of the religious vocabulary and undergo systematic phonological adaptation. The meta­phor analysis further demonstrates how conceptual metaphors translate abstract Islamic ideas into concrete Mandar cultural experiences. These findings show that the study contributes methodologically by combining Scheler’s value theory with systematic linguistic analysis of lexical and metaphorical patterns. At the empirical level, the study documents an endangered oral tradition and clarifies how Islamic doctrine interacts with local cultural cognition in Nusantara’s religious oral literature.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Iqbal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Digital Religious Literature and Its Role in Shaping Religious Moderation among Indonesian University Students
Digital religious literature circulating on social media has reshaped how university students access and interpret Islamic teachings, yet limited research has examined how the narrative structure of these digital texts influences the formation of religious moderation. This study addresses this gap by analysing how digital interpretations of QS. Al Hujurat 49:13 construct specific emphases of meaning and how students internalise these messages. The research employs a descriptive qualitative design using two types of data: digital religious texts from tafsir applications, YouTube, and Instagram, and interview data from university students. These data were analysed through content analysis and hermeneutic interpretation to identify narrative patterns, framing strategies, and interpretive tendencies. The findings show three key patterns. First, digital interpretations consistently highlight equality, diversity, and social harmony, producing simplified moral messages that are easily circulated. Second, the structure of digital texts compresses and fragments Quranic meaning, reducing engagement with socio historical context and limiting interpretive plurality. Third, students’ levels of digital literacy significantly shape how they evaluate and internalise moderation narratives, functioning as an epistemic filter that distinguishes reflective understanding from superficial acceptance. These findings indicate that digital platforms do not merely transmit religious messages but actively shape interpretive outcomes through narrative design and algorithmic visibility. The study contributes to digital religion scholarship by demonstrating that religious moderation in the digital era is a mediated interpretive product. It recommends strengthening critical digital literacy and improving the contextual quality of digital religious content to support deeper and more balanced interpretations among students.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amirudin, Suyono, Soeprijanto, M. Hudri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
From Sakinah to Cyber-Conflict: Paul Ricoeur’s Hermeneutics and the Surplus Meaning of BP4 Texts in the Digital Era
This study examines the construction of meaning in the official text of the Marriage Advisory, Development, and Preservation Agency (BP4), which has rarely been analyzed through a hermeneutic lens. Previous research has focused primarily on BP4’s institutional performance, leaving a gap in understanding how its textual discourse shapes the concept of a harmonious family and how these meanings shift in the digital era. The purpose of this study is to analyze the symbolic structure of the BP4 text, interpret its key concepts, and explore how its meanings are recontextualized within contemporary digital family dynamics. This research employed Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutic framework, combining structural analysis, symbolic interpretation, and appropriation. Primary data are drawn from the BP4 book Foundations of a Sakinah Family, particularly chapters on sakinah family ideals, family communication, and conflict management. Data were analyzed through textual coding, thema¬tic mapping, and interpretive triangulation. The findings show that the BP4 text constructs a harmonious family as a dynamic ethical process grounded in sakinah, mawaddah, and rahmah. The text frames commu¬nication through the principle of qaulan as a moral discipline that regulates emotional expression and relational balance. The study also identifies a transformation of meaning when the text interacts with digital realities, including the reinterpretation of sakinah and islah in relation to cyber infidelity, platform-based communication aggression, and digital psychological stress. These findings highlight the need to update BP4 materials to address digital-era challenges. The study concludes that Ricoeur’s hermeneutics provides a productive framework for renewing state religious literature and strengthening its relevance for contemporary Muslim families.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elismayanti Rambe, Nanang Arianto, Nurliana, Siti Rahma Harahap, L.L.M Nur Syakirah Binto Mohd Adnan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Construction of Muslim Womanhood in a Hadhrami-Indonesian Manuscript: A Philological Reading of Daf‘ al-Turraḥāt ‘an Wājibāt al-Ummahāt (1939)
This article examines the construction of Muslim womanhood in Daf‘ al Turrahāt ‘an Wājibāt al Ummahāt (1939), a Hadhrami Indonesian manuscript authored by Habib Salim bin Jindan, to address the limited scholarly attention to early twentieth century religious manuscripts in gender studies. Existing research on Indonesian Muslim women has focused on reformist thinkers, fatwas, and modern interpretations, while the gender discourse embedded in Hadhrami textual traditions remains largely unexplored. This study fills that gap by producing a critical edition of the manuscript and analyzing its linguistic, thematic, and discursive features. The research employed qualitative philological methods, drawing on a single codex preserved at the Al Fachriyah Library. Data consist of the manuscript’s textual content, which is examined through textual criticism, transliteration, and contextual analysis to reconstruct the most reliable version of the text and interpret its gender concepts. The findings show, first, that the manuscript frames Muslim womanhood as a moral and ethical identity shaped by piety, religious knowledge, and social responsibility. Second, it articulates women’s roles through a biologically grounded framework that emphasizes motherhood, education of children, and moral cultivation. Third, the text reflects tensions between normative Islamic prescriptions and contemporary debates on women’s education and public participation. These findings demonstrate that the manuscript functions both as a religious treatise and as a cultural response to moder­nity. The study concludes that early Hadhrami Indonesian texts offer valuable insights for expanding gender discourse in Nusantara Islam.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andhika Tiara, Rizqi Handayani, Safurotun Ziah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Revisiting the Nicene Creed within Theological Dialogues in the Indonesian Context
The Nicene Creed is a foundational document in Christian theology, shaping core understandings of the Trinity and Christology. While global academic discussions on the Creed continue to evolve across historical, systematic, and ecumenical dimensions, research within the Indonesian context remains limited and lacks systematic mapping. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, guided by the PRISMA and SPIDER frameworks, to analyze scholarly trends related to the Nicene Creed in Indonesia. From an initial pool of 785 articles sourced from Google Scholar, 50 met the inclusion criteria. The findings show a predominance of theological discourse (35 articles) over studies addressing practical or social implementation in church life (15 articles). This imbalance highlights a gap in contextual theological engagement and indicates a limited process of translating the Creed within local ecclesial cultures. It also points to the need for further exploration of how congregations perceive and embody the Nicene Creed in relation to their cultural and religious settings. This study contributes to the academic mapping of the Nicene Creed in Indonesia and identifies potential directions for future research. These include exploring the application of the Creed within local contexts—particularly from a postcolonial perspective—as well as conducting comparative studies with other belief systems in Indonesia within the framework of religious and cultural plurality. Such efforts would deepen the contextual relevance of the Nicene Creed and enrich theological discourse in diverse Indonesian settings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bonnarty Silalahi, Lerry Christofal J. Tualangi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Local Values and Religious Moderation in the Madurese Translation of the Qur'an
This study examines the emergence and development of Qur’an translation into Madurese, focusing on the work of lecturers at IAIN Madura under the directive of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Employing Nashruddin Baidan’s translation theory, particularly his framework of interpretive periodization in Arabic, this research adapts this approach to the context of Qur’anic translation into a regional language. Using qualitative descriptive analysis, the study traces the historical trajectory of Madurese Qur’an translation, beginning with the initiatives of Jema’ah Pengajian Surabaya (JPS), followed by the Institute for Translation and Study of the Qur’an (LP2Q), and culminating in the contributions of IAIN Madura. Findings suggest that the IAIN Madura project represents a developmental phase in the ongoing process of Qur’an translation into Madurese. The translation adopts a tafsīriyyah model characterized by dynamic adaptation of target-language grammar. A distinctive feature is the integration of the Madurese language hierarchy (bhâsa èngghi bhunten, bhâsa tèngghi/alos, bhâsa èngghi enten, and bhâsa ènjhâ’ iyâ), reflecting local cultural values. The Pamekasan–Sumenep dialect serves as the linguistic basis. The translation is guided by three principles: grounding Qur’anic values, advancing religious modera­tion and preserving regional linguistic heritage. Key references include Tafsīr Jalālain, Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr, and official translations published by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Wasisto Raharjo Jati, Kirwan, Misbahul Wani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Ethical Critique of Polygamy in the Early 20ᵗʰ Century Javanese Manuscript Alakirabi Wayuh Kaliyan Botên
This study examines domestic ethics and moral reflections on polygamy in the early twentieth‑century Javanese piwulang manuscript Alakirabi Wayuh Kaliyan Botên (AWKB). Previous research on Javanese household teachings has predominantly emphasized women’s duties and obedience, leaving the moral responsibilities of husbands and the ethical consequences of polygamy largely unaddressed. This study fills that gap by analyzing AWKB as a rare textual source that articulates internal criticism of polygamy within the Javanese intellectual tradition. The research uses a descriptive analytical method based on philological data sourced from the digitized AWKB manuscript written in Javanese script and language. The manuscript was transliterated, paraphrased, and translated, followed by interpretive analysis using Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutic framework to contextualize its ethical messages. The findings show three key insights. First, AWKB presents implicit criticism of polygamy by highlighting the husband’s inability to maintain material and emotional justice among wives. Second, the text emphasizes maturity, economic preparedness, and honesty as essential foundations for marital stability. Third, AWKB reframes domestic ethics by shifting moral responsibility from women’s obedience toward the husband’s ethical accountability. These findings contribute to Javanese philological studies by revealing an understudied moral discourse that challenges normative assumptions about gender roles in traditional household teachings. The study concludes that AWKB offers a culturally grounded critique of polygamy and provides a valuable ethical perspective for contemporary discussions on marital justice and family well‑being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iin Nur Zulaili, Muhammad Khodafi, Muchamad Saiful Muluk, Moh. Iqbal Nafi, Ahmad Nabil Nasyiri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Reading Al-Ibānah: Habib Salim bin Jindan’s Eclectic Responses to Islamic Ritual Debates in Early 20ᵗʰ Century Indonesia
This study examines the construction of the concept of bid‘ah in the manuscript al-Ibānah fī Tārīkh al-Sunnah by Habib Salim bin Jindan as a response to traditionalist and reformist debates in early twentieth-century Indonesia. Its aim is to trace how Habib Salim’s eclectic perspective emerged through the interplay of hadith authority, Ba‘Alawi genealogical tradition, and engagement with Islamic reformist discourse. The primary data are drawn from al-Ibānah, particularly sections addressing the definition of bid‘ah, additions to prescribed religious practices, and ritual examples such as bodily movements during dhikr, ḥaul commemorations, and non-canonical prayers (Raghā’ib and ʿĀshūrā’). The study employs philological methods to examine the structure and textual presentation of the manuscript, alongside a socio-intellectual historical approach to contextualize al-Ibānah within the development of Indonesian Islamic thought. The analysis reveals that the manuscript advances a framework of bid‘ah that does not fully align with either traditionalist or reformist paradigms. Habib Salim challenges claims from both camps through more flexible classifications and hadith-based argumentation. The findings revise prevailing understandings of Hadrami scholars, who have often been positioned dichotomously in historical narratives. The article’s contribution lies in its reading of religious manuscripts as sources of discourse, its explanation of the intellectual authority of Hadrami sayyids, and its reframing of the dynamics of religious critique within the intellectual history of Indonesian Islam.
al-Ibānah fī Tārīkh al-Sunnah manuscript
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhamad Abror, Lufaefi, M. Adib Misbachul Islam, Yasrul Huda, Muhammad Nuril Fauzan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Systematic Literature Review on Religiosity : The Social and Economic Determinants of Religious Intensification
Religion plays a vital role in human life, yet many studies focus on its consequences rather than the factors influencing religiosity and religious intensification. This study examines the social and economic determinants that shape religious faith through a literature review of 25 relevant studies from the Scopus database. The findings reveal that social factors predominantly drive religious intensification. These factors include the family environment (parental religiosity, closeness to parents), socialization (religious exposure in childhood), and social conditions (trauma, religious freedom, and societal attitudes). Social demographics such as gender, age, and marital status also play a role. Conversely, economic factors tend to negatively influence religious practices. These factors include income levels (relative and absolute), macroeconomic conditions (GDP per capita, trade volume, and travel costs), socio-economic status (employment, education, and social insurance), and economic development in countries of origin and destination. The study highlights the complex interplay between social and economic factors in shaping religiosity and religious intensification. These findings underscore the need for policies that balance social and economic considerations, promote religious pluralism, and address societal vulnerabilities to foster inclusive approaches to managing religious dynamics in diverse com­munities.
Copyright (c) 2024 Lutfan Muntaqo, Atinia Hidayah, M. Elfan Kaukab, Wan Noor Hazlina Wan Jusoh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Sufi Ethics and Religious Moderation through a Revisit of Miftāḥ al-Ṣudūr for Contemporary Social Harmony
Religious moderation has emerged as a crucial framework for addressing contemporary challenges such as radicalism, intolerance and social polarization in pluralistic societies. This study examines the concept of religious moderation through the lens of Shaykh Ahmad Shohibulwafa Tajul Arifin’s teachings in Miftāḥ al-Ṣudūr. Employing a library-based methodology, the research identifies key Sufi principles—tazkiyyah al-nafs (self-purification), mujāhadah al-nafs (struggle against base desires), and maḥabbah (compassionate love)—as core elements for fostering personal spiritual growth and collective harmony. These values are shown to align with the four indicators of religious moderation as outlined by Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs: national commitment, nonviolence, tolerance, and respect for local culture. The study highlights how practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God) and tawajjuh (spiritual meditation) not only cultivate inner awareness and emotional regulation but also contribute to building inclusive and peaceful communities. While the research focuses on textual analysis, it underscores the potential of Sufi-based approaches to counteract societal fragmentation by emphasizing ethical behavior and inward transformation. Although limited to textual interpretation, the study calls for further research incorporating fieldwork and interdisciplinary perspectives to assess the real-world application of Miftāḥ al-Ṣudūr’s teachings. Overall, the findings affirm the continued relevance of Sufism in shaping resilient, harmonious societies and offer a constructive paradigm for integrating spirituality with social cohesion in the modern era.
Copyright (c) 2025 Teten Jalaludin Hayat Teten, Ma’sum Anshori, Abdul Abas, Azma Zuhayda Arsyada https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Exploring the Dynamics of Kopisoda in Preserving the Intellectual Legacy of KH Sholeh Darat in Modern Islamic Thought
Amid rapid modernization, KOPISODA (Komunitas Pencinta Kiai Sholeh Darat) has emerged as a community dedicated to reviving and preserving the intellectual legacy of a prominent Islamic scholar KH Sholeh Darat. This study explores the dynamics of KOPISODA's activities across Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Klaten, focusing on three core questions: (1) What is the historical trajectory of KOPISODA's development? (2) What factors have contributed to its continuity? (3) What are its contributions to Islamic thought in Indonesia? Employing a qualitative method with historical and phenomenological approaches, data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and other relevant sources. Findings indicate that KOPISODA has evolved from a social gathering group into a research-oriented community. This transformation is reflected in its efforts to collect, preserve, digitize, translate, and publish KH Sholeh Darat’s works. The community’s sustainability is supported by the enduring influence of KH Sholeh Darat, the dedication of its founders, backing from his descendants, and the sustained commitment of its members. KOPISODA’s initiatives have not only preserved Javanese-Islamic traditions but have also contributed to the transmission and transformation of moderate Islamic knowledge that harmonizes religious values with national identity.
Transmission-Transformation of Islamic Knowledge
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdul Mustaqim, Mohammed Adam, Habib Habib, Mohammad Fattahun Ni’am https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Malay Waris Poetry as Social Documentation of Islamic Inheritance Law
This study examines Social Dynamics in Malay Inheritance Poetry focusing on the relationship between Islamic inheritance law and Malay socio-cultural values. The Malay Inheritance Poetry is not only a literary work but also a rich cultural heritage and social documentation that reflects the complex dynamics of Malay society in the context of inheritance distribution. This study, adopting a qualitative methodology based on both literature and field studies, using content analysis with structuralism and Derrida's post-structuralism theory. This approach aims to understand how inheritance distribution in the poetry reflects Islamic legal principles, as well as how gender roles in inheritance rights are portrayed in the text. The findings indicate that the poetry functions as a medium for articulating and internalizing Islamic legal values in the social and cultural life of the Malay community. The poetry also illustrates the interaction between tradition and modernity, as the Malay society faces challenges in maintaining cultural identity amidst the changing times. The study also reveals how social values related to family responsibility and mutual agreements in inheritance distribution are reinforced through the poetry. Furthermore, it shows how Islamic law is accepted and adapted within the local context, maintaining its socio-cultural relevance to this day. This research makes a significant contribution by enriching the understanding of the integration of Islamic law and Malay culture through literature and opens up opportunities for further studies in the field of law and literature within local cultural contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Imamul Arifin, Muhajirin, Idrus Alkaf, Arfan Adib Abdul Hakim, Choliliyah Thoha, Hilmy Baihaqy Yussof https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Local Wisdom for Peacebuilding in Java: An Analysis of Religious Moderation in Shodiq Hamzah's Tafsīr Al-Bayān
This study examines the values of local wisdom in Tafsīr al-Bayān by Shodiq Hamzah and its role in promoting peace through tolerance, respect for traditions, and non-violence. Written in Javanese using Latin script while preserving the pesantren Pegon tradition, this work reflects a synthesis of Islamic scholarship and local culture. Emplo­ying qualitative library research, the study uses the concept of local wisdom as a framework for peacebuilding within religious moderation. A thematic approach identifies and analyzes Qur’anic verses on peace, inter­preted through Shodiq Hamzah’s perspective. The findings reveal that Shodiq Hamzah integrates values like compassion, justice, and wisdom into social interactions while advocating for moderate religious reasoning. His interpretation underscores the importance of local wisdom in resol­ving interfaith conflicts and fostering harmony. This research enriches the literature by illustrating how religious moderation rooted in local traditions provides a sustainable framework for addressing societal challenges. Tafsīr al-Bayān bridges textual interpretation with cultural context, highlighting the dynamic interplay of Islamic teachings, local wisdom, and contemporary issues, making it a key reference in studies on peace and religious moderation.
Copyright (c) 2024 M. Badruz Zaman, Imam Mawardi, Muhammad Yusril Muna https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Concept of Dihliz in the Sufi Philosophy of Kiai Achmad Asrori al-Ishaqi: Bridging Traditionality and Modernity in Religious Practices in Indonesia
Studies on Nusantara Sufism often treat tarekat communities as socio cultural phenomena and overlook their potential as sources of epistemological innovation. This gap limits understanding of how Sufi traditions generate knowledge that negotiates textual authority and spiritual experience. This article examines the concept of dihliz in KH Achmad Asrori al Ishaqi’s al Muntakhabat to propose a model of liminal Sufi epistemology. The study uses qualitative literature based data drawn from al Muntakhabat as the primary source, supported by secondary works on Sufism and Nusantara intellectual history. The analysis combines hermeneutics to interpret textual meaning and anthropology to situate the text as a cultural artefact, supported by Foucault’s archaeology of knowledge and Bourdieu’s theory of habitus. The findings show three key points. First, dihliz functions as an epistemic threshold that regulates the transition between sharia-based normativity and Sufi experiential knowledge. Second, it produces a hybrid epistemology that integrates rational reflection, textual authority, and intuitive insight. Third, dihliz shapes an epistemic habitus within the tarekat community, enabling the negotiation of tradition and modernity in contemporary religious practice. These findings demonstrate that dihliz offers a conceptual framework for understanding Sufism as a dynamic mode of knowledge production. The study concludes that dihliz provides a useful model for strengthening religious literacy, reconciling doctrinal differences, and supporting peace oriented Islamic education. Future research may apply this framework to other Nusantara Sufi texts to map broader patterns of liminal epistemology.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chafid Wahyudi, Achmad Muhibin Zuhri, Ainul Yaqin, Moch. Rafly Try Ramadhani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Contextualizing Liberation Theology in Indonesian Religious Literature through the Contributions of K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid
The writing on liberation theology, which originally developed in the Latin American Christian tradition, has found its resonance in contemporary Islamic thought. K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid is one of the Indonesian Muslim figures who made significant contributions to the development of this discourse. This research aims to analyze the manifestation of liberation theology in Gus Dur's thought as well as identify its distinctive characteristics through the study of the book “Islamku, Islam Anda, Islam Kita” with a qualitative approach and content analysis method. The main findings of the study reveal three distinctive characteristics of Gus Dur's liberation theology: an innovative synthesis of traditional fiqh with modern social justice principles, particularly in his advocacy of minority rights; the reinterpretation of religious texts to challenge authoritarian interpretations, reflected in his defense of religious freedom and democratic values; and the development of an Indonesian model of Islamic pluralism that emphasizes grassroots empowerment. The practical significance of the findings provides a theoretical foundation for interfaith dialogue, minority protection, and democratic reform in contemporary Indonesia. The unique contribution of this research lies in documenting how Gus Dur successfully bridged the gap between Islamic traditionalism and modern progressive thought, creating an Indonesian approach to liberation theology that remains relevant to address contemporary social challenges, and providing a foundation for understanding how religious thought can be mobilized for social transformation in pluralistic societies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Khoirul Umam Addzaky, Uswatun Hasanah, Ida Faridatul Hasanah, Muhammad Asy'ari Ari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Text Mining Techniques for Analyzing Religious Moderation Discourse: Insights From Indonesian Digital Space
The socialization of religious moderation discourse in the digital space requires an effective strategy to engage the Indonesian populace. This study aims to understand the patterns and forms of religious moderation discourse in the Indonesian digital space from 2020 to 2023 and to assess the effectiveness of text mining techniques in this context. A mixed-method approach, combining digital humanities with quantitative text mining and qualitative discourse analysis, was employed to analyze the discourse on religious moderation. The findings indicate that the discourse is dominated by the term "Indonesia," highlighting the inter­twining of religious moderation with nationalism. The prominence of "Indonesia" as a keyword suggests that the promotion of religious mode­ration values aligns closely with nationalistic sentiments. Additionally, the discourse is significantly influenced by political activities, with politicians' pragmatic values serving as a means to reach various segments of society, albeit not as a long-term strategy. To enhance the socialization of religious moderation, it is crucial to evaluate and refine current strategies. Analy­zing the patterns and forms of this discourse can provide insights for more effective dissemination in the digital space. This evaluation will help in better promoting the values of religious moderation, ensuring they reso­nate with broader societal values and reach a wider audience.
Copyright (c) 2024 Roni Tabroni, Ardekani Reza Shaker, Ahmad Yunani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Moderate Interpretation in Islamic Religious Education Textbooks: A Case Study in An Indonesian Islamic Senior High School
Previous studies have identified radical content in Islamic religious education (PAI) textbooks. However, no comprehensive examination of 12 PAI textbooks in Indonesian Islamic high schools (Madrasah Aliyah) has been conducted. This study aims to address two questions: (1) What forms of non-moderate interpretation threaten religious moderation? (2) What forms of moderate interpretation strengthen religious moderation? This qualitative study gathered data through documentation, interviews with PAI textbook authors, and discussions with PAI experts in scientific forums. Data were analyzed using an interactive model. The findings of this study identified three forms of non-moderate interpretations in PAI textbooks that threaten religious moderation: (1) Textual interpretations undermining national commitment (wataniyyah), obedience to legislation (dusturiyyah), and acceptance of tradition (urfiyyah); (2) Partial interpret­tations compro­mising equality (mubadalah), compassion (rahamutiyyah), and justice (adalah); (3) Monodimensional interpretations on benefit (maslahat), huma­nity (insaniyyah), and tolerance (tasamuh). Conversely, moderate interpret­a­tions that strengthen religious moderation include: (1) Contextual inter­pretations combining objective text meanings with rele­vant subjective contexts; (2) Holistic interpretations integrating compre­hensive understand­ing of the Qur'an through the maudu’i (thematic) method with collective expert validation (taqrir jama’i); (3) Multidimen­sional interpretations mer­ging insights from Islamic science experts (shar’i) with those from natural, social, and humanities sciences (kawni). The practical implications highlight the need for developing mufassir education programs to produce contextual interpretations, expanding scientific forums for holistic interpretations, and enhancing collaboration between shar’i and kawni experts for multidimen­sional interpretations
Copyright (c) 2024 Rosidin Rosidin, Masyithah Mardhatillah, Fenty Andriani, Abdul Rahman Addakhil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Axiological Foundations of Islamic Character Education in Serat Mbonang: A Textual and Philosophical Analysis
Serat Mbonang is a classical Javanese religious manuscript attributed to Sunan Bonang that contains teachings on theosophy, theology, kalam, and Sufism. Although previous studies have examined its doctrinal and metaphysical aspects, limited research has explored its axiological structure and its relevance for contemporary Islamic character education. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing the integration of divine and human values in Serat Mbonang through the lens of Islamic educational axiology. The research employs a qualitative descriptive design using library data. Primary data consist of the Serat Mbonang manuscript, while secondary data include scholarly works on Nusantara religious literature, Sufism, and Islamic educational philosophy. Data were analyzed through textual analysis, interpretative reading, and axiological categorization supported by hermeneutic interpretation. The findings show, first, that Serat Mbonang constructs a coherent value system in which tawhid, spiritual discipline, and ethical conduct are presented as mutually reinforcing principles. Second, the manuscript embeds character education through aesthetic and cultural expressions, demonstrating the pedagogical role of art in Walisongo traditions. Third, the text offers an integrated model of value formation that rejects the dichotomy between divine and human values. These findings imply that Serat Mbonang provides a culturally grounded framework for Islamic character education relevant to modern contexts. The study concludes by recommending the integration of local wisdom-based manuscripts into contemporary educational models to strengthen value-oriented learning.
Copyright (c) 2025 Waluyo Waluyo, Agus Triwibowo, Muhammad Al Fajri, Muhammad Amiruddin Dardiri, Supriyanto, Mohamad Maulidin Alif Utama Alif Utama https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Codicological Study of Dawuhan Islamic Manuscripts as Insights into Nusantara Religious Literature
This article presents a codicological study of Islamic manuscripts from Dawuhan Village, Banyumas, Central Java, which houses numerous texts alongside annual ritual heirlooms. As part of broader philological and codicological research, the study focuses on reconstructing the texts and examining the physical features of the manuscripts to illuminate their historical, cultural, and intellectual significance. The analysis reveals thirteen manuscripts comprising thirty-five texts, covering a wide range of Islamic disciplines such as Qur’anic interpretation, fiqh, theology (tauḥīd), Sufism, ethics, and history. These texts are written in Arabic, Pegon (Arabic script for the Javanese language), and Javanese with Arabic interlinear translations. The study classifies the manuscripts into three main formats: Arabic texts, Arabic texts with Pegon interlinear translation, and Javanese texts in Pegon script. Decorative elements are generally minimal, though some manuscripts feature artistic renderings, such as wayang-inspired calligraphic designs of the basmalah. Most manuscripts lack explicit authorship or date, with only one colophon identifying the scribe as a student (santri), and a few mentioning the day, month, and year of creation. The poor condition of the manuscripts including damaged bindings, faded ink and missing pages, calls for urgent preservation through restoration, digitization and improved storage. The Dawuhan manuscripts offer critical insights into the integration of Islamic teachings with Javanese cultural traditions and highlight the diversity of Islamic educational practices in the region. As such, they constitute a valuable resource for religious, linguistic, and cultural studies, warranting further scholarly attention and conservation efforts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sidik Fauji, Jamaluddin Jamaluddin, Affaf Mujahidah, Brian Trinanda Kusuma Adi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Philosophy of Waḥdah Al-Wujūd in the Waḥdah Al-Wujūd Fī Bayān Al-Ma‘Rifah Min Kull Bayān Al-Muḥaqqiqīn Manuscript: A Study of Nusantara Sufi Traditions
This study examines the philosophical construction of Waḥdah al-Wujūd in the manuscript Waḥdah al-Wujūd fī Bayān al-Ma‘rifah min Kull Bayān al-Muḥaqqiqīn attributed to Muḥammad Makkī, a text that has received little scholarly attention despite its relevance to the development of nineteenth‑century Nusantara Sufi thought. Existing research on Wujū­di­yyah in the archipelago has focused primarily on seventeenth‑ century figures such as Hamzah Fansuri and Abdurrauf Singkel, leaving a gap in understanding how later intellectual networks, particularly in Buton, adapted and transformed these metaphysical ideas. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing the manuscript’s ontological framework and its contribution to the local articulation of Sufi philosophy. The research employs qualitative content analysis using primary data from the DREAMSEA digital manuscript DS 0010 00100, supported by compa­rative readings of Fansuri’s Sharab al-‘Āshiqīn and Singkel’s Tanbīh al-Māshī. Philological methods, including transcription, textual description, and thematic coding, were used to identify key metaphysical concepts. The findings show three major points. First, Makkī introduces a distinctive “shadow ontology” that maps divine manifestation onto the human microcosm. Second, he offers a theological distinction between Allāh and Ilāh that reframes debates on transcendence and immanence. Third, the manuscript demonstrates a reconciliatory form of Wujūdiyyah that integrates Fansuri’s metaphysics with Singkel’s cautionary theological stance. These insights highlight the manuscript’s role in shaping Butonese Sufi discourse and expanding the intellectual genealogy of Wujūdiyyah in the region. The study concludes that Muḥammad Makkī’s work represents a significant yet overlooked link in the evolution of Nusantara philoso­phical Sufism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pradibyo Herdiansyah, Amiroh Nichayatun Munir Azizah, M Napis Djuaeni, Andi Ahmad Syauqi Nafis, Ahmad Hashif Ulwan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Manuscript Legacies and the Contribution of Minangkabau ʿUlamaʾ to the Historiography of Indonesian Islam
This article examines the contribution of Minangkabau ʿulamāʾ to the historiography of Islam in the Nusantara. It employs a historiographic approach based on a literature review of primary manuscripts preserved at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Imam Bonjol State Islamic University, Padang, as well as dissertations and previous scholarly research on intellectual works by Minangkabau scholars. The study finds, first, that Nusantara ʿulamāʾ manuscripts preserve a wealth of intellectual heritage, offering enduring relevance to the development of Islamic scholarship. Second, these manuscripts exemplify the vitality of the Islamic literary tradition and inspire ongoing commitment to writing as a means of preserving knowledge. Third, Minangkabau ʿulamāʾ manuscripts significantly enrich the historiography of Islam in the archipelago, particularly in providing primary source material that illuminates local historical contexts. Lastly, the presence and substance of these texts challenge orientalist claims that depict Nusantara or Malay Islam as peripheral, instead affirming their integral role within the broader Islamic intellectual tradition.
Copyright (c) 2025 Erasiah Erasiah, Farid Mat Zain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Bridging Traditions and Technology: AI in The Interpretation of Nusantara Religious Manuscripts
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming diverse fields, including the interpretation of Islamic religious texts. This study examines the influence of AI, particularly in the context of Nusantara Islamic traditions, and evaluates its ethical and theological implications. The research addres­ses the growing need to understand how AI intersects with traditional Islamic scholarship in Southeast Asia, emphasizing Indonesia as a case study. Using a qualitative literature review method, the study analyzes peer-reviewed articles, books, and reports from the last ten years that focus on AI applications in interpreting Islamic religious texts. Key fin­dings reveal that AI significantly enhances accessibility and efficiency in interpreting religious texts by offering tools for translation, pattern recog­nition, and thematic analysis. However, AI faces notable limitations, including contextual inaccuracies and an inability to grasp the nuanced meanings of religious doctrines deeply rooted in cultural and historical traditions. The ethical and theological concerns identified include ques­tions of interpretative authority, the risk of textual distortion, and the moral responsibilities of AI developers. The research highlights the need for collaborative frameworks between technologists and religious scholars to ensure ethically sound and theologically informed AI applications. It contributes to the literature by focusing on Nusantara Islamic texts and proposing actionable guidelines for integrating AI in religious studies responsibly. This study provides a foundation for further interdisciplinary research to balance technological innovation with the preservation of Islamic interpretive traditions.
Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Andryan Fitryansyah, Fatimah Nur Fauziah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Suphistic Features in Qs Al-Fātiḥah Based on the Tafsīr Al-Khaṭīb Al-Makkī by Abdul Hamid Al-Minangkabawi
Tafsīr al-Khaṭīb al-Makkī by Abdul Hamid al-Minangkabawi is commonly recognized for its dominant features of tafsīr al-fiqhī (jurisprudential exegesis) and tafsīr al-ādabī al-ijtimāʿī (literary-social exegesis). Consequently, the Sufi dimensions of Abdul Hamid’s thought have received relatively limited scholarly attention, despite biographical accounts that highlight his deep engagement with Sufism. This study aims to examine the Sufi exegetical style evident in his interpretation of Sūrat al-Fātiḥah. The research employs a qualitative library-based method with a descriptive-analytical approach. The findings reveal Sufi-oriented interpretations in Tafsīr al-Khaṭīb al-Makkī, specifically in verse 2 (rabb al-ʿālamīn) and verse 5 (iyyāka naʿbudu wa iyyāka nastaʿīn). These verses exemplify features of tafsīr al-ṣūfī al-ishārī, wherein the interpretive meanings transcend the literal (ẓāhir) and are informed by esoteric insights received through spiritual unveiling (kashf) experienced by the Sufi. Nonetheless, these meanings do not necessarily contradict the outward interpretations, allowing for a reconcilable synthesis. This style may also be categorized as taṣawwuf ʿamalī (practical Sufism), whereby Qur’anic verses are understood through subtle inner signs manifest in a Sufi’s personal spiritual experience and devotional practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahmad Syah Alfarabi, Nita Zakiah, Ainun Helty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
EXPLORING WAHDATUL WUJUD IN JAVANESE PALACE MANUSCRIPTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SERAT MENAK AND SERAT WEDHATAMA
This study explores the concept of Wahdatul Wujud (Unity of Exis­tence) as depicted in Javanese palace manuscripts, specifically the Serat Menak from Yogyakarta and Serat Wedhatama from Surakarta. Wahdatul Wujud, an Islamic Sufi doctrine, asserts the absolute existence of Allah and has been influential in the spiritual traditions of the Javanese courts since the fragmentation of Islamic Mataram in 1755. Utilizing a descriptive analytic and philology approach, this research examines the implied messages within these manuscripts. The comparative analysis reveals that the Serat Menak, written in Old Javanese (Kawi), presents more complex vocabulary and is harder to understand compared to the Serat Wedhatama. Additionally, while Serat Menak illustrates the Unity of Existence through the narratives of ancient prophets and leaders, Serat Wedhatama conveys it through the Javanese concept of Manunggaling Kawula Gusti (the unity of servant and Lord). These findings underscore the nuanced interpretations of Wahdatul Wujud in Javanese literature and their cultural significance.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mochammad Nginwanun Likullil Mahamid, Hanip Hidayatulloh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Syair Surat Kapal: The Philosophy of Malay Oral Tradition as Islamic Dawah in Rengat, Riau, Indonesia
This study explores the philosophical depth embedded in “Syair Surat Kapal,” a cultural artifact from Riau, Indonesia, celebrated for its en­chan­ting poetry and melodious rhythm. The research employs a quali­tative methodology within the framework of cultural studies to investigate the philosophy of Islamic Da’wah embodied in the manuscript. The objective of the study is to examine the impact of Islam on “Surat Kapal,” particularly within the context of the oral tradition of the Malay commu­nity in Rengat. It traces the influence of Islamic teachings on this commu­nity’s oral heritage. This study employs literature review and interviews with seven informants from Riau. The findings of this study underscore the significant role of “Surat Kapal” in shaping the Islamic identity within the community. The underlying philosophy of “Syair Surat Kapal” as a me­dium for Islamic da’wah is anchored in the belief that literature and poetry are potent mediums for disseminating religious teachings and fostering moral values. The vivid imagery and compelling narrative of the poem in the manuscript not only captivate the audience but also impart significant lessons about faith and belief in God. Consequently, “Syair Surat Kapal” exemplifies the power of literature in religious and cultural propagation within an academic context.
Copyright (c) 2024 Suroyo Suroyo, Derinta Entas, Novena Ade Fredyarini Soedjiwo, Bima Maulana Putra, Antonia Soriente, Robert Sibarani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Philological Analysis of Tafsiriyah Translations in Javanese Qur'an Manuscripts from a Nusantara Perspective
This study explores the translation methodologies of three Javanese Qur'an manuscripts: Serat Alpatékah, Kuran Jawi and Kitab Kuran. These manuscripts primarily employ tafsiriyah translation, a method that, while effective linguistically, often overlooks sociocultural aspects that can influence public acceptance of the translation. To address this gap, this research investigates how translation strategies in these regional language Qur'an manuscripts account for the socio-cultural nuances inherent in each translator's local context. The study adopts a descriptive-philological approach, utilizing Javanese words, phrases, and sentences—specifically from the translation of Surah Al-Baqarah—as its primary data. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. The findings reveal that both formal and dynamic equivalence are used to varying degrees within the tafsiriyah translation method, particularly evident in the absorption of Arabic elements into Javanese and in word equivalence. Furthermore, the tafsiriyah translation method demonstrates a greater prevalence of semantic translation strategies compared to structural strategies. Future research should also consider Javanese Qur'an manuscripts written in Javanese script, as they offer valuable insights into the cultural and historical variations embedded within Javanese language varieties.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fitri Febriyanti, Muhammad Syihabudin Alawy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0