Ulama Dayah and the Construction of Tolerance and Pluralism in Acehnese Society

This article explores the pivotal role of ulama dayah—traditional Islamic scholars—in shaping the discourse and practice of tolerance and pluralism in Aceh, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative approach that integrates literature review, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with prominent...

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Main Author: Syarifuddin Syarifuddin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Lembaga Aneuk Muda Peduli Umat 2025-06-01
Series:Sinthop
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journal.sinthop.org/index.php/ojs/article/view/23
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author Syarifuddin Syarifuddin
author_facet Syarifuddin Syarifuddin
author_sort Syarifuddin Syarifuddin
collection DOAJ
description This article explores the pivotal role of ulama dayah—traditional Islamic scholars—in shaping the discourse and practice of tolerance and pluralism in Aceh, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative approach that integrates literature review, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with prominent ulama dayah and members of the Aceh Ulema Consultative Assembly (MPU), the study examines how these scholars conceptualize and enact tolerance in a society marked by both strong Islamic identity and growing diversity. The findings reveal that ulama dayah interpret tolerance as an Islamic principle grounded in the Shafi‘i tradition, emphasizing respect for difference while maintaining doctrinal boundaries. Their strategies in managing intra-Muslim diversity and interfaith relations include persuasive guidance, conflict mediation, educational outreach, and institutional collaboration through the MPU. The influence of ulama dayah extends beyond ritual matters to shaping communal norms and public policy, making them key agents in sustaining social cohesion. The study concludes that the Acehnese experience demonstrates the importance of culturally embedded religious authority in negotiating pluralism, and highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities for adaptive leadership in an increasingly complex society.
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language English
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spelling doaj-art-bfb48aeacb9d447cb546cbbb839910d02025-08-20T03:45:15ZengLembaga Aneuk Muda Peduli UmatSinthop2986-84752025-06-0141758310.69548/sinthop.v4.i1.23.75-8323Ulama Dayah and the Construction of Tolerance and Pluralism in Acehnese SocietySyarifuddin Syarifuddin0Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-RaniryThis article explores the pivotal role of ulama dayah—traditional Islamic scholars—in shaping the discourse and practice of tolerance and pluralism in Aceh, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative approach that integrates literature review, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with prominent ulama dayah and members of the Aceh Ulema Consultative Assembly (MPU), the study examines how these scholars conceptualize and enact tolerance in a society marked by both strong Islamic identity and growing diversity. The findings reveal that ulama dayah interpret tolerance as an Islamic principle grounded in the Shafi‘i tradition, emphasizing respect for difference while maintaining doctrinal boundaries. Their strategies in managing intra-Muslim diversity and interfaith relations include persuasive guidance, conflict mediation, educational outreach, and institutional collaboration through the MPU. The influence of ulama dayah extends beyond ritual matters to shaping communal norms and public policy, making them key agents in sustaining social cohesion. The study concludes that the Acehnese experience demonstrates the importance of culturally embedded religious authority in negotiating pluralism, and highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities for adaptive leadership in an increasingly complex society.https://journal.sinthop.org/index.php/ojs/article/view/23ulama dayahtolerancepluralismacehislamic authorityreligious diversity
spellingShingle Syarifuddin Syarifuddin
Ulama Dayah and the Construction of Tolerance and Pluralism in Acehnese Society
Sinthop
ulama dayah
tolerance
pluralism
aceh
islamic authority
religious diversity
title Ulama Dayah and the Construction of Tolerance and Pluralism in Acehnese Society
title_full Ulama Dayah and the Construction of Tolerance and Pluralism in Acehnese Society
title_fullStr Ulama Dayah and the Construction of Tolerance and Pluralism in Acehnese Society
title_full_unstemmed Ulama Dayah and the Construction of Tolerance and Pluralism in Acehnese Society
title_short Ulama Dayah and the Construction of Tolerance and Pluralism in Acehnese Society
title_sort ulama dayah and the construction of tolerance and pluralism in acehnese society
topic ulama dayah
tolerance
pluralism
aceh
islamic authority
religious diversity
url https://journal.sinthop.org/index.php/ojs/article/view/23
work_keys_str_mv AT syarifuddinsyarifuddin ulamadayahandtheconstructionoftoleranceandpluralisminacehnesesociety