MUHARRIK: Jurnal Dakwah dan Sosial

Ethical Da'wah and Leadership: Raja Ali Haji‘s Philosophical Perspectives on Moral Governance

2025-03-25T07:45:14+00:00

This article examines Raja Ali Haji's thoughts on Islamic leadership based on da'wah ethics by highlighting his works, such as Gurindam Dua Belas, Thamarāt al-Muhimmah, and Tuhfat al-Nafis. Through a historical approach and textual analysis, this article explores how values such as reason, knowledge, politeness, exemplary, and deliberation are basic principles in building an ethical, communicative, and spiritual leadership model. The article finds that the ethics of da'wah, according to Raja Ali Haji is not only individual and normative but also has a strong socio-political dimension, which is in line with the theory of political da'wah and the concept of civil Islam in the contemporary context. Raja Ali Haji's thinking can be used as a normative and pedagogical framework in the formation of Muslim leaders who are responsive to the times, fair in policy, and communicative in dealing with the plurality of society. The article also highlights the challenges in realizing civilized da'wah in the era of social media and populist politics and recommends integrating da'wah ethical values into education and public leadership practices in Indonesia.

Adapting Da'wah and Empowerment: A Comparative Study of Islamic Women's Organizations' Transformation in West Java

2025-04-12T08:44:56+00:00

This research aims to analyze the dynamics of transformation that occurred in Islamic women's organizations in West Java, focusing on PW. Fatayat NU, PW. Nasyiatul Muhammadiyah, and PW. Persis young women for the 2020-2025 period. These organizations have a significant role in women's empowerment and public policy advocacy. Still, they face significant challenges stemming from social, political, and economic changes, including digitalization and changes in government policy. This research method uses a qualitative approach with case studies, collecting data through in-depth interviews with administrators and organization members and analyzing related documents. The research results show that Islamic women's organizations in West Java have successfully adapted to digital technology to expand the reach of da'wah and empowerment but still face internal challenges such as leadership regeneration and ideological differences. External challenges in socio-political dynamics and government policies force this organization to innovate and remain relevant. In conclusion, these organizations demonstrate strong transformational potential to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable social change despite the considerable challenges. This research implies the need to strengthen digital capacity, develop programs based on contemporary issues, and expand collaboration networks with various parties, including government and civil society.

Future Prospects for Islamic Political Parties in Indonesia's Democratic Contestation after the 2024 General Elections

2025-03-22T02:45:51+00:00

This research analyzes the prospects of Islamic political parties in Indonesia's democratic contestation after the 2024 elections. Islamic political parties have never been able to compete with nationalist parties in the last four elections. The dominance of nationalist parties is shown in parliamentary contestation and in the presidential and vice-presidential elections, making Islamic parties have no logical choice but to join the coalition of nationalist parties. The future of Islamic political parties has become a polemic because they see their position increasingly squeezed by the strengthening of nationalist parties. This research was conducted using a literature study approach by collecting primary and secondary data from the official government website and supported by secondary data from various media channels such as detik.com and cnbc.com. Data collection begins with field observations to find preliminary data to guide further data collection. The results show that Islamic political parties still have potential prospects if they can optimize several factors, including the demographics of Muslims in Indonesia, Islamic militancy, the close relationship between the ideology of mass organizations and political parties, and public expectations.

Mediatizing Tradition: The Role of Tengku Dayah in Shaping Digital Da‘wah in Contemporary Aceh

2025-04-28T04:18:05+00:00

The development of digital media has changed the global communication landscape, including in the religious realm. Social media has become a powerful tool to spread teachings and influence people's views. However, this phenomenon challenges traditional religious authorities in reaching people increasingly exposed to digitalization. This study examines the transformation of Tengku Dayah, a traditional Acehnese scholar, who switched from physical da'wah to digital platforms, especially social media, in response to the demands of the digital era. Using a qualitative approach and case study methods, this study shows a paradigm change in the acceptance of social media as a da'wah tool while maintaining spiritual integrity, changes in the da'wah space also change the way and pattern of communication to be more relaxed and interactive according to the choice of platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. This research offers practical implications that support the transformation of Tengku Dayah's digital da'wah in the face of the constraints of the digital divide, with targeted digital literacy training programs and student support also being an effective solution, different from previous digital da'wah research that emphasized adoption trends, this study uniquely dissects the internal ethical dilemmas and adaptation strategies of tengku, which enriches the understanding of the sustainable relevance of tengku. Based on the socio-religious context of Aceh, these insights advance the study of digital religion and offer practical implications for traditional Islamic authorities.

Da’wah Communication and the Hijrah Youth Movement: Islamic Identity and Social Change in Bandung

2025-04-16T02:12:51+00:00

This study aims to examine how da'wah communication plays a role in shaping social change through the lifestyle of "hijrah" youth in Bandung City. The hijrah phenomenon, which has grown among urban youth, not only represents a resurgence of religiosity but also signifies a transformation in values, behavior, and social identity influenced by modern da'wah, especially through digital media. This research employs a qualitative approach using a case study method on several hijrah communities in Bandung, such as Pemuda Hijrah (Shift) and Shab Alqo. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation of digital da'wah activities. The results show that the hijrah movement among the younger generation in Bandung, particularly through communities like Pemuda Hijrah (Shift) and Shab Alqo, has had a significant impact on positive social change. This change is evident in the increased participation of youth in religious activities, a shift toward a more Islamic lifestyle, and the effective and interactive use of social media as a means of da'wah. Young people involved in hijrah communities tend to avoid promiscuity, be more selective in their entertainment consumption, and actively engage in religious studies, social activities, and the production of digital da'wah content. Moreover, these communities serve as platforms for religious identity expression, strengthen social networks based on Islamic values, and contribute to building a collective awareness to live more meaningful and spiritually and socially responsible lives.

Contesting Da’wah Authority in Indonesian Mosques and Islamic Organizations

2025-04-22T13:35:21+00:00

In the process of segregation, every social institution, including religious ones, experiences both conflict and integration, as well as consensus and contestation. As a religious social institution, the mosque serves as a place for prostration in mahdhah worship and as a center for community development. This article examines two critical issues: first, the shifting dynamics of the mosque’s function as a social institution in Islamic preaching, and second, the negotiation and contestation of Islamic preaching spaces between mosques and other Islamic mass organizations. Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducts an in-depth analysis of primary data sources. Key insights were gathered through participatory observation of behavioral processes and activities within the research context.The research conducted in Kudus revealed several key findings: First, as a site for disseminating Islamic values, mosques serve as a vital medium for employing diverse preaching methods. Second, the overlapping social roles shared with other institutions have led to struggles, shifts, and even takeovers of functions traditionally held by religious organizations—including mosques. Consequently, mosques have transformed into contested arenas for political piety.

Between Theocracy and Pluralism: Identity Politics and Local Leadership in Indonesia

2025-04-30T21:53:24+00:00

The rise of religious-based identity politics in Indonesia has significantly influenced local governance, particularly among regional heads who integrate Islamic values into public administration. Conversely, the principle of pluralism—as a cornerstone of democracy—demands inclusivity and equal treatment for all societal groups. This study aims to examine and compare two leadership models of regional heads in Indonesia: one oriented toward Islamic theocracy and the other toward democratic pluralism, with a focus on their respective implications for the development of modern civil society. Employing a qualitative comparative case study approach, the research analyzes two regions with distinct leadership orientations. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, document analysis, and participant observation. The findings reveal that theocratic leadership emphasizes religious values and moral accountability, often enhancing religious identity but risking exclusion and limited civic space. In contrast, pluralist leadership promotes diversity and participatory governance, yet faces challenges in building a cohesive collective identity. The study concludes that effective local governance in a diverse society requires a balanced integration of moral-religious values and inclusive democratic principles to ensure fairness, legitimacy, and sustainability in civil society development.

Islamic Leftist and Ecological Resistance in the Nahdliyyin Front for Resource Sovereignty

2025-04-23T10:05:58+00:00

This study aims to understand the emergence of leftist Islamic thought as articulated by the FNKSDA (Nahdliyyin Front for Natural Resource Sovereignty). The primary focus is to examine the material and historical conditions that enabled the development of this thought. This research employs a qualitative document analysis as its method. In doing so, the researcher drew data from official FNKSDA documents, articles authored by FNKSDA activists, and relevant academic journals accessible to the researcher. I interpreted the collected data using a thematic approach guided by the Historic Materialism framework formulated by Michael Lowy. Based on the analysis results, the study finds that the material and historical conditions confronted by FNKSDA have significantly shaped its formulation of leftist Islamic thought. The formation of FNKSDA's thought is shaped by three particular conditions: the political-economic landscape of post-Reformasi Indonesia, the internal dynamics of the Nahdlatul Ulama organization, and the broader development of Islamic thought in Indonesia in the post-Reformasi era. The researcher contends that this study offers a valuable contribution to the broader scholarship on Islamic political thought in Indonesia.

The Da’wah Movement and Indonesia’s Moral Crisis: Between Mental Revolution and Akhlak Revolution

2025-04-21T23:25:43+00:00

This article aims to discuss the contestation of discourse in improving the nation's morality between two movements: the Mental Revolution—an initiative to reform the nation's character through modernization of mindset and work ethic, introduced by President Joko Widodo—and the Akhlak Revolution, a da'wah movement advocating the restoration of individual morality based on Islamic values, popularized by Habib Rizieq Shihab. The analysis in this article employs a political approach grounded in Michel Foucault's postmodern theoretical framework, which provides the basis for the discussion. The contestation between the two revolutions reflects ideological differences and power dynamics that shape the discourse on morality in society. Using a qualitative-interpretive research method, data were collected from YouTube using digital documentation techniques and analyzed through source triangulation validity testing, as proposed by Miles and Huberman. The findings reveal both conceptual and practical distinctions between the Mental Revolution and the Akhlak Revolution. The Mental Revolution is viewed as more pragmatic, grounded in state policies targeting civil servants and the bureaucracy, whereas the Akhlak Revolution emphasizes individual moral improvement through a religious framework. From a Foucauldian perspective, this distinction illustrates two forms of disciplinary power: the state exerts control through formal policy, while religious institutions influence morality through social norms and values. Although both initiatives offer responses to moral degradation, each has also faced criticism and resistance. This article argues for the need for synergy between state and religious approaches to promote more comprehensive moral transformation within society.