Ki Ratmiko Siswo Carito’s Shadow Puppet Art in Forming Islamic Cultural Identity in Banyumas, Central Java: Holistic-Integrative Fiqh Perspective

The study on integrating shadow puppet art in the Islamic cultural landscape in Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia, highlights the role of Ki Ratmiko Siswo Carito in cultural preservation and religious education. This paper aims to analyze how Ki Ratmiko Siswo Carito shaped Islamic culture through wayang art based on holistic, integrative jurisprudence. The method used in this paper is a literature study with a qualitative approach, which involves looking for written documents from books, articles, and other written documents that support the topic of discussion. The results showed that Ki Ratmiko Siswo Carito shapes Islamic cultural identity through meticulous puppet performances to convey Islamic teachings. The flexibility of puppets’ performances in incorporating Islamic values without losing their traditional essence reflects a successful model of cultural integration. It enriches the local cultural landscape and becomes a means of religious education, promoting the understanding and practice of Islam. Ki Ratmiko Siswo Carito’s dedication to preserving shadow puppet art with Islamic teachings significantly contributed to Banyumas’ Islamic cultural identity. Integrating Islamic values into shadow puppet art reflects the dynamic nature of cultural heritage and its potential as a medium for religious and cultural education

Larung Sesaji at Ngebel Lake: Dialectics of ‘Urf with Local Culture from the Perspective of Ulama in Ponorogo, East Java

Traditions in religious life sometimes cause problems in society. The role of religious experts is very important in solving this problem. This study aims to analyze the tradition of larung Sesaji and the views of religious figures in Ponorogo regarding this procession. This study is qualitative research in which the data were collected from field research. For analysis, descriptive methods with a phenomenological approach are applied. The research results show that the tradition of larung sesaji in Ngebel Lake, with its various kinds of knick-knacks, is passed down from generation to generation as an accumulation of pre-Islamic customs. This tradition was originally a prayer for safety from the disaster caused by the supernatural ruler of Ngebel Lake. In response to this, the puritan Ulama in Ponorogo stated that larung sesaji is close to shirk (idolatry) and is considered ‘urf fāsid, so there is no need to practice it. While moderate ulama is more flexible, allowing the tradition to continue as usual while giving guidance so that any possibility of violations of the Shari’a can be anticipated; hence, it is considered ‘urf ṣaḥīḥ. However, as a consequence of the Constitutional Court Decision No. 97/PUU-XIV/2016 regarding believers with no belief to not include their religion on KTP (ID Card), people around Ngebel Lake have converted their faith (apostates). Eventually, this tradition and practice are beyond the authority of the MUI and ulama

Religious Moderation on Food and Environmental Balance: Local Practices of Muslims and Confucians in Pontianak, West Kalimantan

The study on the role of religious moderation in food consumption practices as a strategy to maintain environmental balance highlights the unique synergy between Islamic and Confucian values within the local context of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This article explores the moderate practices of Muslims and Confucians in Pontianak in valuing food to maintain environmental balance. More specifically, this article asks how Islamic and Confucian values of moderation are reflected and integrated into daily consumption practices to maintain environmental balance sustainably. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with informants representing Muslim and Confucian communities. The results show that both communities own environmentally friendly practices reflected in efforts to reduce food waste and control consumption. The concept of moderation and balance in Islam and Confucianism is the main foundation of this practice, as well as religious teachings, cultural norms, and ethical values. The findings suggest that environmental stewardship can be a point of convergence between religion and culture to maintain the sustainability of natural resources. These findings’ policy and conceptual implications can be used to promote awareness of environmental stewardship among Muslim and Confucian communities and develop inclusive sustainability strategies. Further studies can expand the scope and go deeper in understanding sustainable behavior in diverse cultural contexts

Transcending Notation: An Exploration of Padhang-Ulihan and Pathet within Javanese Karawitan Music

This research aims to explore the manifestation of the immanent-transcendental relationship between Javanese individuals and their deity within their performance art songs. The analysis focused on Javanese scale settings known as pathet, as well as padhang-ulihan structures, which represent Javanese sentence styles in composition. These elements were examined to understand how the Javanese express their emotions and convey their thoughts to their deity. The data for this study were collected using ethnographic methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and literature studies. The findings indicate that, as immanent beings, humans require symbols to communicate with their deities in the transcendental realm. Javanese people embody their way of life and perspectives on the universe through the melodies and song structures of Karawitan, a form of Javanese musical art. The analysis of pathet and padhang-ulihan reveals that Javanese individuals shape their worldview by selecting and playing pathet in conjunction with the coordinated construction of the padhang-ulihan model within a Karawitan musical notation

Bridging Faith and Tradition: A Discourse on Moderate Islamic Path in Jambi Malay Seloko

Islam-based local wisdom is unique because it represents a moderate religious path. This article analyzes how the moderate path works in the Jambi Malay traditional seloko. The Jambi Malay people have customs that guide their lives. By using a qualitative method based on content analysis, where data was collected by (1) reading Jambi Malay traditional seloko documents and (2) interviews with Jambi Malay traditional leaders, this study proves that Jambi Malay traditional seloko displays a harmonious dialogue between Islam and the locality. In the case of the seloko adat regarding washing the village (cuci kampung), for example, as a punishment for committing adultery, the discipline of stoning (rajm) or flogging (jild) as per Islamic law is not applied, even though it is said that the Jambi custom is a custom that originates from Islamic Law. In this case, the people of Jambi use a substitute punishment for stoning and flogging, which is marrying the two adulterers. The Islamic law based on the Qur’an and hadith textually is not applied as the Indonesian state is not based on sharia. It is a form of dialogue between Islam and Jambi local wisdom according to the concept of the moderate Islamic path. Apart from that, there are several other values, such as tolerance, democracy, and nationality. The findings of this study can strengthen the study of Islamic moderation in the context of local wisdom amidst various damaging accusations against local Islam as impure Islam

Unraveling the Intricate Dynamics of Turkish Immigrants and Muslim Minorities in Germany

Germany's cultural and economic diversity is enhanced by the contributions of Turkish immigrants and Muslim minorities, whose legacy enriches the country. However, social exclusion and unfavorable preconceptions impact some of these groups, which can hurt their well-being and quality of life. This article addresses the dynamics of Muslim minorities and Turkish immigrants in Germany, emphasizing the social developments, historical trajectory, and difficulties these groups encounter in German society. It focuses on minority rights, social integration, and acceptance. This article employs a qualitative descriptive technique, interpreting qualitative data in-depth to comprehend and explain social phenomena or human behavior. Data is gathered by analyzing pertinent materials and subsequently interpreted thematically in light of the study environment. This article's conclusions and discussions are restricted to the impact of Turkish immigration on the Muslim community while considering a range of social, cultural, political, and economic facets of German life. Karl Marx's conflict theory holds that these difficulties reflect underlying power dynamics and class struggles, in which the dominant class keeps control over resources, cultural norms, and political authority, resulting in systemic conflicts and inequality. In addition to initiatives to support equality and inclusion, addressing these concerns calls for a greater comprehension of the structural dynamics at play

Religion and Authority: The Role of Tuan Guru in Shaping the Islamic Discourse of Sasak Community in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Lombok’s religious characteristics evolved concurrently with Tuan Guru’s role as the primary knowledge source in the community. Tuan Guru plays a crucial religious role in domestic and public spheres, inspiring the Sasak people in Lombok. This article discusses Tuan Guru’s role in generating religious knowledge through power and authority. The paper explores the relationship between power and knowledge possessed by Tuan Guru, examining the growing Islamic discourse. It adopts a hysterographic study approach, analyzed through the genealogy of Michael Foucault’s theory of power and knowledge. This study aims to analyze and construct data from discourses, patterns, and public spaces related to the Tuan Guru phenomenon in Lombok. The findings highlight Tuan Guru’s pivotal role in disseminating Islamic teachings in Lombok society, showcasing his awareness of the authority in producing, influencing, and contributing to the development of Islamic style. This socio-religious scientific development study portrays Tuan Guru’s role in knowledge production, offering a significant development in understanding the Islamicity that has flourished not only in Lombok but possibly in other regions in Indonesia and the world

Muslims and Hindus Encounter on Tolerance at Glanggang Village, Pakisaji, Malang, Indonesia

The topic of tolerance is still a major topic of discussion in Indonesia. This happens because of the strengthening of identity politics, which results in social division. This research aims to examine and analyze the tolerance of Islam and Hinduism. This paper also looks at the phenomenon of tolerance using Giddens’ concept of structuration. This research method used a qualitative approach by using in-depth interviews, observations, and literature studies to explore information related to this research topic. The findings of this research show the institutionalized social structure of the Glanggang community’s local wisdom values, which social structure shapes the tolerant behavior of the community. Javanese cultural values and the spirit of tolerance in the religious values guide the community to coexist. The collective experience is recorded in social activities and religious activities. The structure allows agents to develop an inclusive spirit of life. Formal and informal agents play an important role in shaping tolerant mindsets and behaviors. It shows the dialectical and mutually influencing relationship between structures and agents. Structures contribute to shaping agents’ actions, but at the same time, agents also reproduce structures

The Embodiment of Faith to Social Responsibility by the Tastafi Community in Aceh

The Tastafi study group, one of Acehnese majlis ta‘līm, holds significant importance in shaping religious knowledge and moral values in Aceh, a province widely recognized for its deep-rooted religious traditions. This study investigates the impact of the Tastafi study group on Aceh society's religious understanding and morality. This research used a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews with 30 participants of the Tastafi study group from various social and educational backgrounds. The collected data were analyzed thematically and employed Fowler’s faith development theory and Carroll’s social responsibility theory. The findings demonstrate that the Tastafi study group profoundly impacts religious understanding and morality in Aceh society. The study group also played a pivotal role in fostering compassion, empathy, and social responsibility among its participants. Moreover, the study group contributed to unity, teamwork, and social cohesion within the Aceh community

Field and Contestation of Religious Identity: Christian Responses to the Rise of Islamism in Post-Reformation Indonesia

This study explores the response of Christianity, particularly among protestant leaders, to Islamism in Indonesia during the post-reform period. It uses a qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews and literary materials. The research uses grounded theory to understand how the public sphere serves as a platform for expressing conflicts over religious identities. The results show that Christianity perceives Islamism as a political division, triggering reactions and requiring strategies to establish boundaries and reinforce identities. Feedback from Christianity includes seeking state commitment, forming alliances with moderate groups, engaging in internal introspection, fostering national duty, and establishing daily institutions. The study suggests that Christianity’s response to Islamism is a contestation within the cultural production arena, where both groups assert dominance through their distinct modalities. There is no unified Christian response to the growing spirit of Islamism, with demographics, memories, and experience as a social institution determining response variations