Indonesian Journal of Islam and Muslim Societies

171-204

Authors: Ahmad Ali Nurdin

This article discusses two different types of contemporary writings both “scholarly feminists” and “internet commentators” on women in Islam; particularlyissues related to gender equality such as women’s rights, status and creation. By comparing two different groups of writers, the objective of this paper is to discover whether there are significant differences between them on issues of women in Islam, which shed light on modern Islamic thinking. From a brief investigation of several books as representatives of scholarly feminists, and several websites, which publish many articles on women in Islam, as representatives of Internet commentators, it is clear that both groups seem to have similar attitude on the topic. They tried to clarify a common misperception of women in Islam which is commonly portrayed to be “a second class” . Moreover , it is clear that the message of ‘Internet commentators’ seem to be more effective and more likely to prevail.

229-252

Authors: Bambang Arif Rahman

Shuraas the system of representation of the Muslim’ s voice in, typically , the Islamic state is often confronted with the West representation system namely Democracy . Some Islamic scholars believe that Shura is still the best system for Muslims to vote for their need in the state. However , as Islam is not a monolithic doctrine, some other Muslim groups have another alternative view to represent their political opinion to the state by , surprisingly , practicing democracy . In brief , Shurais still placed God instructions as the reference of all decisions which are made in the council. Otherwise, democracy merely stands its policy on the people. Both systems have a long tradition processes to find their recent way in this global age. And the British Muslims have to realize that they live in a developed country like Britain and still have to be Muslim. Giving challenging condition, Hizbut T ahrir , T ablighi Jama’at, and Muslim Council of Britain, three prominent Muslim Organizations in England, have different attitude towards democratic Britain to voice their representation. On the one hand, Hizbut T ahrir strictly rejects the idea of democracy as its goal is to establish the Islamic Caliphate in the world. And on another hand, T ablighi Jama’at tends to stay away from the political issue, including its representation, as the core of this organization is only preaching in a peaceful way . Finally , Muslim Council of Britain as the umbrella of small-medium Muslim organizations in England, in fact is involving in the system of British democracy .

273-296

Authors: Elmansyah al-Haramain

One of Islamic cultures that is constantly able to evolve and adapt to the various condition is Sufism. In the process of development, Sufism has always been a solution to various issues in society , and it is also aimed at achieving closed relation to the Lord. Shifting orientation of Sufism has occurred in any kind of its theology , politics, philosophy , and organization. The present studies of Sufism development lead to medical issues. Some experts call it Sufi Healing. It is interesting to discuss it since the shifting orientation brings something positive to the development of Sufism. However , there are many things that need to be reviewed, namely the provision of the proposition for any behavioral recovery which seemed a merely justification. This article is presented by using a historicaland a phenomenological approach that emphasizes on the existence of its phenomenon. Through this article, it is expected to obtain an understanding of Sufism and its various efforts in developing the doctrine of al-ihsan in Islam in he context of digital era.

317-337

Authors: Sidqon Maesur

Islamic University has become a pioneer in the field of education and cultural development for years. The material taught includes Humanities, sociology and various applied science. Some earlier Islamic universities in the past are the University of al-Azhar, Fusthat, Qurawiyin, Mustanshiriyah, Nidhamiyah, and Qordoba. The former Islamic scholars actively created new theories which have not been existed before. Similarly Islamic Univiersities in any level have important role in the development of culture through a variety of programs, by preparing cadres who have scientific competence so that they are ready in the dissemination of Islamic culture that aims to build an ideal and realistic Islamic society and realistic.