KARSA Journal of Social and Islamic Culture

Post-Conflict Democratization: A Comparative Case Study of Cambodia and Nigeria’s Experiences

Daffa Danendra Cahyadi, Adhi Cahya Fahadayna — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Religious conflicts occurred in various countries, from Nigeria's 1980 conflict between Islam and Christianity to Cambodia's religious conflict in 1970. This study examines how religion reconstructs democracy following civil wars in Cambodia and Nigeria. Cambodia emphasizes a spiritual approach for conflict-affected communities to eliminate future conflicts, making religion a collective spiritual tool. Nigeria emphasizes an institutionalized approach using mediation and interfaith dialogue, using religion as socio-political mediation. This comparative study examines religion's role in post-conflict democratic reconstruction in both countries. The research analyzes using Most Similar System Design (MSSD) two countries with systemic similarities, including religious-based civil conflict, influential religious actors, and democracy disruptions between 1970 and 2005. Despite similarities, Cambodia and Nigeria used different faith-based peacebuilding strategies. In Cambodia, Buddhist monk Maha Ghosananda adopted a spiritual approach, focusing on healing through rituals like the “Pilgrimage of Truth” to restore trust and values for reconstructing democracy. In Nigeria, religious leaders Imam Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa and Pastor James Movel Wuye used an institutionalized approach, emphasizing mediation and interfaith dialogue for socio-political reconciliation. While Cambodia's approach yielded stronger personal reconciliation, Nigeria’s strategy effectively reduced violence and polarization, establishing deliberative democracy. The study concludes that religious peacebuilding effectiveness depends on context, with the socio-political environment shaping strategies. Quantitative data from V-Dem shows religious actor interventions coincide with improved democratic indicators, highlighting faith-based peacebuilding’s contribution to democratic reconstruction.

Aestheticizing Coexistence: Public Perceptions of the Istiqlal-Cathedral Tunnel on Social Media

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Although Indonesia is known for its religious diversity, numerous incidents of intolerance reveal that symbols and practices of tolerance have yet to be deeply rooted in the country's social fabric. the Terowongan Silaturahmi in this context, a connecting passage between the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral—stands out as a rare spatial phenomenon symbolizing interfaith harmony in an urban landscape. This study aims to examine the aesthetic and architectural dimensions of the tunnel and analyze public perceptions of it as a representation of pluralist values. Employing a qualitative-descriptive approach supported by digital quantitative analysis, the study integrates architectural interpretation, literature review, and sentiment classification of 2,003 comments from 5 videos on the YouTube page using the IndoBERT model and word cloud visualization. The findings reveal that the tunnel is broadly perceived as a positive symbol of tolerance and national identity, though some resistance emerges from conservative groups. Therefore, the Terowongan Silaturahmi exempli-fies how architecture can function as a medium for dialogue and social education on interfaith coexistence within Indonesia's public spaces.

Constructing Territorial Identity: Strategic Narrative in Aceh’s Maritime Boundary Disputes

Bustami Bustami, Zainal Arifin, Hasrat Efendi Samosir — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Territorial disputes concerning maritime boundaries have grown increasingly intricate in the context of subnational autonomy, especially in areas with special administrative status. The communication strategies employed by the Aceh government regarding maritime territorial claims exemplify a distinctive instance of strategic narrative construction within Indonesia’s decentralized governance framework. This study investigates how the Aceh government formulates strategic narratives in territorial claims, scrutinizing the discursive patterns, rhetorical strategies, and power dynamics inherent in their political communication related to maritime boundary disputes. This research utilizes Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in accordance with Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework, examining official documents, press statements, and public speeches delivered by Aceh government officials from 2018 to 2024. The data were subjected to analysis through textual examination, discursive practice evaluation, and contextualization of social practices. The analysis uncovers three predominant narrative strategies: (1) historical legitimacy narratives that invoke pre-colonial sovereignty, (2) legal-constitutional narratives that underscore special autonomy rights, and (3) economic security narratives that emphasize resource sovereignty. The government employs particular linguistic devices, including metaphorical expressions, intertextuality, and strategic ambiguity, to construct legitimacy while addressing multiple audiences. Aceh's strategic narrative construction illustrates a sophisticated discursive management of territorial claims within constitutional limitations. The findings enhance the understanding of subnational political communication in territorial disputes and provide insights for conflict resolution through narrative mediation.

Falak Manuscripts: Windows into the Intellectual and Cultural History of Southeast Asia

Arwin Juli Rakhmadi, Muhammad Hidayat — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:49:23 +0700

This study examines the development and role of falak (Islamic astronomy) manuscripts in Southeast Asia within the context of Islamic historiography and the transmission of knowledge from the Middle East. Scholars from the archipelago studied falak in the Middle East before developing it in their homeland, producing repetitive works to facilitate public understanding. However, limited documentation and a lack of in-depth research hinder a comprehensive understanding of the scholars’ roles in the history of falak. This study explored alternative sources, such as local manuscripts, travel notes, and oral traditions, using a multidisciplinary approach that includes philology, history, and the sociology of knowledge. The method used in this research is the philological method, a scholarly approach used to analyze, assess, and interpret ancient or historical texts, particularly in the context of manuscript studies. One of the research locations is the PEDIR Museum (Banda Aceh), the Manuscript Collection of Tarmidzi Abdul Hamid (Banda Aceh), and the Falak Center of Syaikh Tahir in Penang, Malaysia. The results show that falak science in Southeast Asia developed through networks of scholars connected to the Haramain and Egypt. The dissemination of falak manuscripts occurred through trade, missionary activity, and intellectual exchange, while adaptation to local culture preserved its relevance. The influence of the falak manuscripts in Southeast Asia includes strengthening religious authority, establishing local hisab-rukyat traditions, and playing a strategic role in harmonizing the Islamic calendar. This research confirms that the falak manuscripts are an intellectual heritage that reflects the synergy between science and the religious needs of Southeast Asian Muslim communities, while also serving as an important source for the study of the history of Islamic science in the region.

The Legal Challenge of Marital Rape: Bridging Islamic Law and Indonesia's Anti-Violence Statute

Masduki Masduki, B. Syafuri, Ahmad Hidayat — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 12:02:41 +0700

In Islamic law, there are two views on marital rape: one rejects it because marriage is considered a lifelong consent to sexual relations. At the same time, the other recognizes the possibility of marital rape within a marriage. Unlike UU-PKDRT, marital rape receives strict penalties. This study aims to identify and analyze the legal sanctions for marital rape in UU-PKDRT and Islamic criminal law, compare the sanctions of both laws, and explain the concept of takzir for marital rape. The research method is juridical-normative, using qualitative data and three frameworks: credo theory, legal change, and takzir. The study results show that UU-PKDRT, which includes marital rape, does not contradict Islamic law and therefore should be obeyed by Ulil Amri. The legal sanctions are relevant and in accordance with takzir; sexual relations are a mutual right of husband and wife, and forced sexual relations in marriage are not considered rape but violence that can be sanctioned by takzir; marital rape is not considered rape in Islam because marriage negates fornication; Marital rape in UU-PKDRT is viewed as rape, but in Islamic law, it is only violence that can be sanctioned by takzir after reconciliation efforts. The new theory from this research states that marital rape is violence, not rape.

Islamic Jurisprudence in Academia: Knowledge Production and Interpretation at Indonesian Islamic Universities

Abdurrohman Kasdi, Fauzan Adim — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:26:54 +0700

This research is based on a literature review using historical and phenomenological approaches, interviews, and comparisons. This study seeks to understand the efforts of Indonesian Muslim academics in the study of al-Tafsir Al-Fiqhi in Islamic universities, focusing on the Al-Quran Science University (UNSIQ) in Wonosobo and PTIQ University in Jakarta. The data from this study were analyzed using content analysis, by analyzing data from theses, dissertations, and publications from UNSIQ Wonosobo and PTIQ University Jakarta, focusing on the methods of knowledge production. The steps taken in this study were as follows: First, the research data were described through references related to legal interpretation or fiqh, especially in Indonesia. Then, the theses and dissertations at UNSIQ Wonosobo and PTIQ University Jakarta were reviewed, and finally, all data were interpreted, induced, studied, and investigated. This research shows that the production of knowledge in al-Tafsir al-Fiqhi at UNSIQ Wonosobo and PTIQ Jakarta strengthens the role of al-Tafsir al-Fiqhi studies in dealing with legal and jurisprudential issues in Indonesia. In addition, both universities contribute to the production of research related to the interpretation of legal verses, which contributes to the revival of al-Tafsir al-Fiqhi studies. Furthermore, this study also shows that both universities focus on three things: First, improving understanding of legal texts, analyzing legal verses, and comparing them with the needs of society. Second, focusing on the development of educational and research methodologies by integrating Islamic traditions and Sharia objectives with the realities of Indonesia. Third, contributing to community service. It can be done by applying fiqh interpretations to practical issues, such as family law and financial transactions. UNSIQ Wonosobo and PTIQ Jakarta face challenges in their efforts, such as the need for more studies linking legal interpretation to the global context and balancing the preservation of classical fiqh heritage with the demands of the times.

Maqasid Al-Shariah and Child Protection: A Holistic Approach to Preventing Early Marriage

Azam Sukri, Aris Fauzan — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 19:47:26 +0700

This research presents a novel and holistic approach to addressing child marriage by explicitly integrating the Maqasid Al-Shariah framework—comprising the protection of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property—as its primary analytical lens. Unlike previous studies that often treat the social, health, legal, or religious aspects of child marriage in isolation, this study unifies these dimensions within an Islamic ethical paradigm. This study employs a qualitative literature review method, systematically collecting, evaluating, and synthesizing secondary data from Islamic jurisprudence, legal frameworks, and child welfare reports to analyze child protection and adolescent well-being through the lens of Maqasid Al-Shariah. The findings of this research reveal that integrating the Maqasid Al-Shariah framework into strategies for addressing child marriage significantly enhances both the religious legitimacy and community acceptance of child protection efforts. Child marriage is a complex issue that fundamentally contradicts the five core objectives of Maqasid Al-Shariah—protection of life, intellect, lineage, property, and religion—making its elimination a religious as well as social imperative. This research highlights that child marriage endangers children's physical and mental health, disrupts education, and undermines family and community wellbeing. Addressing the issue requires more than legal reforms; it demands collaboration among policymakers, religious scholars, and community leaders to correct misinterpretations of Islamic teachings and shift cultural norms

Syncretizing Culture and Faith: The Kurang Labih Principle in Kalimantan

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to identify and analyze the value of the local wisdom “Kurang Labih” in the traditional river-based trading system, specifically as a form of local wisdom among the Banjar people. Values rooted in the local wisdom of the Banjar people, such as the value of “Kurang Labih,” remain the primary foundation in the governance of their social life, especially in traditional trade practices. This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing a case study method. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation to produce a comprehensive writing on cultural phenomena. The study's results found that the culture and local wisdom in traditional trade at this floating market possess the value of “Kurang Labih,” which can make the trade process mabrur, or moral, namely a trade that prioritizes goodness, virtue, and blessings received from Allah SWT. The local wisdom of “Kurang Labih” at the Lok Baintan floating market is strongly influenced by Islamic values, considering that all traders are Muslim, and this value is passed down from generation to generation. The value “Kurang Labih” reflects the principle of caution in buying and selling, a moderate attitude, and the pursuit of blessings, thus creating acceptable trade. This value also serves as a reminder to avoid sins resulting from inaccurate weighing or defective goods, and as a means of fostering sincerity between seller and buyer. These values are in line with Islamic teachings, which have deeply influenced the cultural patterns and local wisdom of the Banjar people, particularly in the traditional river-based trading system.

Harmony of Islam and Local Wisdom: An Ethnographic Study of Wetu telu Tradition in Lombok

Raden Sumiadi — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 09:32:24 +0700

This research examines the socio-cultural negotiation processes that facilitate accommodation between Islam and indigenous customs in the learning practices of the Wetu telu community in Bayan, North Lombok. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, this study examines how the Wetu telu indigenous community negotiates Islamic values with local wisdom, strategies employed by internal community actors in accommodating Islamic implementation, and the development of a contextual Islamic model that respects local wisdom while maintaining Islamic authenticity. The findings reveal three main strategic approaches: (1) elite power approach through structural negotiation with traditional leaders, (2) emotional approach through relationship building and interpersonal trust, and (3) cultural approach through integration of Islamic teachings into local traditions without negating cultural identity. This research produces a multidimensional accommodation model that enables the integration of Islamic values within indigenous social systems while maintaining cultural integrity. The resulting framework demonstrates that effective Islamic implementation in indigenous communities requires recognition of existing cultural knowledge systems and integration of religious teachings within traditional learning processes. This model provides a practical framework for developing contextual Islamic integration that can be applied in other regions with similar characteristics, emphasizing the role of internal community actors as primary agents of change who ensure religious transformation emerges from within existing social structures.

Framing the Faithful: Islam, Gender, and National Identity on the Indonesian Screen

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 17:33:11 +0700

The study of masculinities in the context of film is currently attracting global attention from researchers. However, there are still a few researchers who study Muslim men as heroes in the context of Indonesian films. In this regard, this research aims to explore Muslim male heroes in Indonesian horror and silat films through the perspective of masculinity. This research employs qualitative methods, with data collection techniques conducted through a literature review. The data used were Indonesian horror and silat films from 1970 to 2020. The results of this study reveal the following key findings. The results of this study show the following findings. First, in Indonesian horror films, there is a type of male Muslim hero who performs exorcism of demons that possess human bodies; performs exorcism of demons that disturb and cause terror to families/citizens; and fights against black magic shamans. Second, in Indonesian silat films, the type of Muslim male hero is often depicted as a tough, strong, and mighty figure, fighting against the Dutch colonizers. Third, Muslim male heroes who appear in Indonesian films, both horror and silat, are not fully the main hero character. Globally, this research is expected to contribute to Islamic studies on male heroes in films from the perspective of masculinity, a topic that has been rarely explored in Islamic studies.

Patterns of Religious Identity Resistance in the Translation of Fiqhu al-Nisa’ from Arabic into Indonesian

Imama Nur Layliyah, Sajarwa Sajarwa — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the pattern of religious identity resistance in the translation of Fiqhu al-Nisa’ from Arabic into Indonesian. Resistance in this context refers to the translator's strategy in maintaining religious terms without domestication or significant cultural adaptation, in order to maintain the integrity of meaning, sacred value, and Islamic identity in the translated text. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a comparative approach between the source and target texts. Data in the form of religious terms were analyzed based on Al Ghamdi’s categories of religious identity, which include eschatology, moral and ethical criteria, religious artifacts, religious buildings, religious events, religious groups, religious figures or appeals, religious sites, special religious activities, supernatural beings, and enlightenment terms. The findings indicate that the strongest resistance emerges in the categories of specific religious activities and moral and ethical criteria. It is because terms within these categories are deeply rooted in Islamic epistemology and function as carriers of doctrinal authority. Such terms are difficult to substitute or domesticate without compromising their theological specificity and sacred function. Therefore, the translator consistently preserves these terms through transliteration or literal translation. This practice is not merely due to the absence of equivalent terms in Indonesian but rather represents a deliberate ideological choice to resist the secularization of religious language. These findings affirm that the translation of religious texts constitutes an ideological practice that plays a crucial role in maintaining Islamic identity and authority in the target text.

Functional Arabic Syntax Theory in Action: Developing Materials for Islamic Universities

Wahyuddin Wahyuddin, Zulfa Jamalie, Muhammad Nadir — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The Antasari State Islamic University Sharia Faculty encounters several obstacles in teaching Arabic due to the theoretical syntax textbooks that are irrelevant to students' needs. These books contain difficult examples, complex grammatical rules, and elaborate and complicated syntactic parsing (i‘rāb). This study seeks to create functional syntax theory instructional materials. Evaluate the feasibility of these materials. Assess the effectiveness of the materials in the academic performance of the learners. The approach employed is Research and Development (R&D) using a modified Borg & Gall model. Data was collected using observation, interviews, questionnaires, tests, and documentation. Data was analysed qualitatively using the Miles and Huberman technique, and quantitatively through t-test analysis using SPSS. Based on the findings, the developed grammar materials have considered the simplification of the elements of iʿrāb: mawqiʿ, iʿrāb, ḥukm iʿrāb, and ʿalāmat al-iʿrāb: Table, which enhances understanding; An inductive approach was also employed alongside the theory of syntactic function, which stipulates that 'the endings of the words are modified because of their position and function in the sentence, not because of ʿāmil. The syntax instructional materials developed in this study received excellent evaluations from Arabic language experts and instructional design specialists. Additionally, Arabic syntax experts and students from non-Arabic studies programs in the Faculty of Sharia also provided very positive evaluations. All research participants agreed that the instructional materials are suitable for syntax teaching. The results of the T-test indicate a significant difference between the pre-test scores prior to using the developed syntax instructional materials and the post-test scores after the students had utilized these materials. This is evidenced by a significance value of 0.000, which is smaller than the alpha value of 0.050. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of the developed nahwu instructional materials is effective in improving the academic performance of students from Sharia faculty members who are not in Arabic study programs.