Concept of Taqribra'yai (Bridging Two Views) in Bid'ah Polemic Within the Malay Muslim Society

Abstract

Purpose of the study: In general, term bid'ah is easily understood by majority Muslims of the Muslim World including those in the Malay Archipelago. The views often debated in regards to bid'ah revolve around issues of new practice that considered as bid'ah or bid'ah hasanah. This study tried to bridge the two views pioneered by Imam Shafie (150-204AH) and Imam Shatibi (720-790AH). At the end, this study may contribute to reconcile the disputation and arguments within Malay Muslim society. Methodology:This study was mainly opting the information gathered from Islamic religious books as well as academic journals that discuss the issues of bid'ah. Other than that, this research also referred to both primary sources of al-Quran and Sunnah al Hadith to support the arguments. The related data was accumulated by using the content analyses approach and divided into several themes. Main Findings:The findings of this study show that the phrase of 'all bid'ah is deviant' is strongly affecting the status of other good practices as deviant or can be classified as good invention or bid'ah hasanah. In this study, to solve this polemics, it is suggested to opt the concept of taqrib ra'yai by using two of Usul al-Fiqh methods. Applications of this study:Islamic study, especially in the field of Usuluddin and history of Islam in Malay Archipelago and its movement. This study needs to benefitted the whole Muslim community by spreading the importance of bridging these two views either through verbal or written form. By that, the Muslim community, especially amongst Malaysians able to get clarification and solve the disputed issues, especially regarding the bid'ah hasanah.Novelty/Originality of this study: The study suggested Taqrib Ra'yai (bridging two views) method which is intended to bridge the gap of the disputes among the Mujtahid leaders (persons who has been certified and acknowledged as capable of interpreting religious law) as well as among the other Muslims.