Indonesian Journal of Research in Islamic Studies

Harmonization of Islamic Law and Local Culture in Indonesia: An Analysis of the Legal Maxim Al Adatu Muhakkamah

Deko Rio Putra — 2026-08-03

Background: Local cultural diversity in Indonesia frequently encounters tension with Islamic teachings, sparking debates regarding the acceptable limits of traditions in social life. Objective: This study aims to analyze the application of the Al-Adatu Muhakkamah legal maxim in evaluating and validating the legitimacy of local cultural practices. Method: The methodology employs a qualitative library research approach through scientific documentation searches and content analysis of authoritative ushul fiqh and Islamic legal literature. Results: The findings demonstrate that custom validation requires a phased evaluation mechanism encompassing compliance testing against nash, general applicability, implementation consistency, and the realization of public interest (maslahah). Cultural practices meeting these criteria are categorized as valid customs ('urf shahih), whereas those contradicting fundamental creed are rejected as corrupt customs ('urf fasid). Conclusion: The Al-Adatu Muhakkamah maxim functions effectively as a selective and adaptive instrument capable of reconciling normative religious doctrines with the sociological realities of a multicultural society. Contribution: This study provides a substantive contribution by proposing an integrated conceptual model featuring practical, stepwise criteria to differentiate valid customs from corrupt ones, while serving as an authoritative scientific reference for academics and practitioners formulating local wisdom–based religious policies.

The Islamic Ethic of “Insāniyyah”: Reimagining Humanism, Brotherhood, and Justice in Contemporary Times

Ibrahim Suberu — 2026-07-30

Background: Contemporary societies face increasing challenges related to social fragmentation, intolerance, injustice, and the erosion of human dignity, highlighting the need for an ethical framework that integrates spiritual, moral, and social values. Although humanism has been widely discussed in secular philosophy, the concept of Insāniyyah in Islam as a divinely grounded model of humanism remains insufficiently explored. Objective: This study aims to systematically examine the Islamic ethic of Insāniyyah by analyzing its foundational principles in the Quran and Sunnah, with particular emphasis on human dignity, universal brotherhood, and moral justice. Method: The study employs a qualitative library research approach using descriptive and analytical methods to evaluate classical and contemporary Islamic literature. Result: The findings demonstrate that Islamic humanism is founded upon divine revelation, integrating moral responsibility, human dignity, and accountability to God within a holistic ethical framework. Unlike secular humanism, which primarily emphasizes human autonomy, the Islamic perspective harmonizes individual rights with social obligations and spiritual values, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and justice. Conclusion: Insāniyyah provides a comprehensive ethical foundation for addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges. Contribution: This study enriches the discourse on Islamic humanism by offering an integrated conceptual framework that reinforces the relevance of Islamic ethical principles in promoting inclusive, just, and peaceful societies globally.

Al-Ghazzali's Contributions to Sufism: A Comprehensive Analysis of His Spiritual Philosophy and Ethical Framework

Dr K M A Ahamed Zubair Kanakkarasan — 2026-07-31

Background: Imam Al-Ghazzali (1058–1111 CE), known as "Hujjat al-Islam" (The Proof of Islam), emerged during an era of intense intellectual conflict between rationalist philosophy and religious faith. Despite his profound influence on Islamic thought, a comprehensive analysis of his integrated spiritual and ethical framework remains limited in contemporary scholarship. Objectives: This study examines Imam Al-Ghazzali's contributions to Sufism, analyzing his epistemological framework for spiritual knowledge, his ethical constitution rooted in Sufi psychology, his critique of philosophy, and his integration of Sharia compliance with spiritual purification. Methods: A qualitative historical-analytical research design was employed, utilizing content analysis of primary sources, including Al-Ghazzali's autobiographical Deliverance from Error, his magnum opus The Revival of the Religious Sciences, The Criterion of Action, and The Incoherence of the Philosophers. Results: The findings reveal that Al-Ghazzali established spiritual unveiling (kashf) as a valid source of certainty alongside reason and revelation, developed a comprehensive ethical framework based on refining the psychological powers of reason, desire, and anger, and demonstrated that authentic Sufism requires strict adherence to Islamic law. Conclusion: Al-Ghazzali's synthesis created an enduring framework uniting intellectual rigor with heartfelt devotion, offering a balanced approach to faith that continues to influence Islamic spirituality and ethics. Contributions: This research contributes to Islamic studies scholarship by providing a systematic analysis of Al-Ghazzali's integrated vision of Sufism and its contemporary relevance for discussions on reason, spirituality, and spiritual formation.