Religious Tradition: Between Intrepretation and Text Innovation

Abstract

The discussions of Islam which linked with tradition and/or Islam and culture have been conducted since early 19th century. Such discussions have drained the energy of Muslim intellectuals due to its vast scope which ranges from humanities, sciences, literature, and arts. The discussions become more interesting when they suggest the results of interaction among Islam, Malay tradition, and culture as a Malay Islamic heritage called as Islam Nusantara (Islam of the archipelago). In addition, in its subsequent development modern version of Islam Nusantara turns to be an ideal ‘alternative’ version for modern Muslim intellectuals. Besides having Malay characteristics, Islam Nusantara might have a role in preserving the Nusantara identity and existentialism, an effectively proven way to maintain social stability in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnics, and multi-faiths country like Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. However, this stable social condition might be difficult to be maintained forever. There are acts of resistance from some groups of Islamic purists that bring forth a jargon to return to the culture and tradition which practiced by Prophet Muhammad PBUH and his sahabah (earlier companions of Prophet Muhammad). Thus, finding a ‘correct’ mechanism and understanding toward tradition and culture in the regulation of purist view of Islam or original Islam is a rationalization project of Islam Nusantara which can be considered as authentic Islam despite its contemporary package and term. A deep understanding of Islam Nusantara is not only intended to return to a classic heritage of Islam Nusantara but also as a way to explore positive ideological attitudes in order to defy colonialism and underdevelopment.