Dayah Ulama and Modern Negotiations in Aceh

Abstract

This article analyzes the interpretation of Islamic religious clerics on the narrative of religious moderation within the framework of Islamic law in Aceh. This study focuses on several issues, including; The first is the acceptance and rejection of the ulama towards the rhetoric of tolerance. Second, the interpretation of the scholars of religious differences. Third, the binding element for managing tolerance and religious differences. The purpose of writing this article is to produce a study of strengthening democracy and national identity based on Islamic sharia values ​​which are the standard of behavior in public life in Aceh. The study was conducted using a qualitative research approach through in-dept interviews. Sources of data were also obtained through focus group-based surveys. As for the results of the study it is known that; first, there is no rejectionism of the dayah scholars towards the narrative of religious moderation. On the other hand, the emphasis on acceptance must be in harmony with the principles of Islamic law within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. This is because what has been awakened in the imagination of the Ulama towards Aceh is a sense of place that Aceh is the verandah of Mecca (Islam). Second, the form of the acceptance of the dayah ulama towards the narrative of tolerance and diversity in Aceh is moderate. Third, the binding element for the management of institutionalized tolerance and diversity in Islamic law and Acehnese customs. For dayah scholars, tolerance is only in muammalah affairs, not in private matters (aqidah and worship). This means that tolerance may not sacrifice the principles of belief (aqidah), just as religious beliefs may not be sacrificed for the sake of tolerance.