Islamic Studies Review

Comparing Islam with other Late Antique Religions: Examining Theological Parallels with Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Manichaeism

Aria Nakissa — 2023-12-29

This article argues that Islamic theological doctrines emerged out of broad late antique religious trends. Such trends were reflected in Judaism and Christianity, but also transcended them. In support of this view, the article systematically examines parallels between Islamic theological doctrines, and those found in the late antique religions of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Manichaeism. It is argued that all of these religions share six basic doctrines: (1) belief in one morally-concerned Supreme Being (2) belief in lesser spirit beings that are good or bad (3) belief in prophets (4) belief in scriptural texts (5) belief in an afterlife (6) belief that the world will end with the triumph of good over evil. It is argued that the preceding six doctrines coherently fit together into a larger perspective on the universe. The article explains how this perspective is central to late antique religions, including Islam.

The Expressions of Indonesian Muslims in Performing the ʿUmrah Pilgrimage to Mecca

Subkhani Kusuma Dewi — 2023-12-29

Minor Islamic pilgrimages (ʿumrah) are increasingly being studied as part of commodified pilgrimages in the age of trade and tourism. This relatively modern construction has restricted researchers’ understandings of practices like pilgrimages to the graves of saints. This article compares two imagined Indonesian Muslim religio-cultural communities performing ʿumrah, utilizing a hybrid ethnography method to obtain data. The paper is structured in two sections. Firstly, it discusses how traditionalist Muslims understand ʿumrah as a means of maintaining the authority of the teachings of Sufi ʿulamāʾ. This group adopts the ethical principles of Sufi practices, which involve three key elements: reverence for Sufi ʿulamāʾ, observance of sacred times, and the recitation of prayers to obtain intercession (shafāʿah) and blessings in life (barākah). The second section explores how another group, guided by Muslim ethics, aligns ʿumrah journeys with the principles of capitalism within Islam. Using global and cosmopolitan Muslim perspectives, these spiritual reformers and coaches approach ʿumrah by creating practices suitable for the aspirations of the middle-class Muslims. They tailor the practice of ʿumrah, based on Islamic practices, to account for the ethical principles of self-managing individuals. This comparative presentation demonstrates diverse Muslim experiences, refraining from a homogenous expression of the ʿumrah. Ultimately, this paper advocates for more comprehensive studies of the ʿumrah pilgrimage in Indonesia, including ones that focus on nuanced expressions of pilgrims and diverse roles played by Islamic religious authorities, moving beyond simplified commercial interpretations.

On Human-Nature Relations: The Importance of Malay Adat and Rituals in Protecting the Suhaid River in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Bibi Suprianto — 2023-12-29

Many scholars have examined human-nature relations through various frameworks. A few researchers, however, have studied human-nature relations through Malay adat (custom) and rituals concerning the Suhaid river in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan. The purpose of this study is to examine whether the relationship between humans and nature is made significant through Malay adat and rituals that protect rivers. This study uses manuscript data, interviews, and observations in Suhaid of Kapuas Hulu regency in West Kalimantan. The respondents consisted of the head of the Malay traditional court, village religious leaders, and the local Malay community. In addition, researchers also used an anthropological approach to study Malay culture. This study shows that the relationship between humans and nature in the river illustrates: 1) adat and rituals have local values and beliefs which protect rivers; 2) the Suhaid Malay community is concerned with protecting rivers; 3) Malay customary laws aimed at maintaining the relationship between humans and nature were developed as part of a peace treaty between Pangeran Suma Dilaga and the Iban people; and 4) the contemporary relationship between humans and nature in the Suhaid river has been outlined in customary law (hukum adat) and is practiced in the tradition of buang-buang rituals. The researcher's findings highlight the importance of Malay adat and rituals in the conservation of the Suhaid river in West Kalimantan.

From Mosques to Cafes: Muslim Youth and Mawlid Celebration in Yogyakarta

Muhammad Wahyudi — 2023-12-29

Abstract

The celebration of Mawlid has sparked ongoing discussions among traditionalist and modernist Muslims. Traditionalists perceive Mawlid as a cherished tradition symbolizing joy and love for Prophet Muhammad, passed down through generations. Conversely, modernists often deem it heretical, indicating a societal decline. Within this discourse, an unconventional Mawlid phenomenon has emerged—celebrations hosted in cafes in Yogyakarta, primarily attended by Muslim youth, in contrast to the traditional mosque gatherings of older generations. The Cafe-based Mawlid celebration is characterized by a relaxed atmosphere, humor, simplified lectures, and diverse participation, stand out for their uniqueness. This qualitative, phenomenological study delves into the dynamics of Mawlid celebrations in Yogyakarta's cafes, seeking to unveil the motivations propelling Muslim youth participation. This paper argues that the evolution of Mawlid celebrations, initially confined to mosques and exclusive to traditionalist Muslim groups, has now transitioned to public spaces like cafes, welcoming diverse participants. his shift underscores the dynamic interplay between religious traditions and the changing socio-cultural landscape.

Keywords: Mawlid, Muslim Youth, Social Action, Husein Ja’far

Between Taboo and Virtue: Islamohumorism in the Reconstruction of Muslim Identity and Piety through Social Media

Husni Mulyawati — 2023-12-29

The discourse on the intersection between Islam and humor has evolved especially since 9/11, but is still considered a peripheral matter in Muslim societies. But comedians can be classified as organic intellectuals—as Gramsci contended—who take a particular role in social change. Rather than viewing humor as a counternarrative toward Islamophobia in Muslim minority countries, as many Western scholars have discussed, ‘Islamohumorism’ in Indonesia somehow shows a different type of polarization, with some Muslims considering humor as a taboo making fun of with religion, while others regard it simply as a means to relax and even evoke piety. This paper aims to showcase the conflicting responses toward Islamohumorism in Indonesia and the impact of these responses. Furthermore, this paper also attempts to examine how comedy frames Muslim identity and stimulates public piety. I focus on discussing three forms of comedy, namely stand-up comedy, exemplified by Dzawin Nur in his YouTube segment “Kuliah Antum”, crosshijaber parody conducted by @holaofadlan on Instagram, and memification in the @haram_house account on Instagram. This research utilizes qualitative methods based on observation and semi-in-depth interviews. By utilizing the uses and gratifications theory of Katz and Blumler (1974) as a framework, this paper portrays the impact of Islamohumorism on Indonesian Muslims through social media. I argue that humor is not inherently taboo and does not contradict Islamic principles. Instead, it serves as a quintessential narrative that critiques societal shortcomings and inequalities. Moreover, it has the potential to foster a sense of community, amplify Muslim identity, and even endorse piety. Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge that Islamohumorism can also contribute to the fragmentation of religious authority.

Face-Veiled Women in Contemporary Indonesia

Imam Sopyan — 2023-12-29

Eva F. Nisa, Face-Veiled Women in Contemporary Indonesia, Routledge (2023) ; 231 pages + xix)

Food Security, Affordable Housing, and Poverty: An Islamic Finance Perspective

Muhammad Fakhrul Arrazi — 2023-12-29

Ahmet Suayb Gundogdu, Food Security, Affordable Housing, and Poverty: An Islamic Finance Perspective. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2023, XX + 190 pp. ISBN 978-3-031-27688-0, Price EUR 109.99.

Ahmet Suayb Gundogdu is a practitioner and an academic on the subject of Islamic finance. Since first joining the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in 2008, he has worked his way up to the position of senior professional at the bank. He obtained his doctorate in Islamic finance from Durham University (UK), and besides being a finance practitioner, he also holds the esteemed position of associate professor at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University in Turkey. His professional background places him in an ideal position to discuss Islamic finance.