The Padri Movement and The Adat: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The Padri Movement was an Islamic puritan movement at the turn of the 19th century in West Sumatra (Indonesia). The leaders wanted to purify the Minangkabau society from un-Islamic influences. The growing conflict led to the Padri war (1821-1838). In this research paper, the author analyzes why many major elements of the matrilineal Minangkabau adat (customary rules) could maintain their significant functions. The author concentrates on three theoretical concepts that intend to answer these questions. Furthermore, the author also wants to offer a new perspective on the Padri movement, namely by using a structuralist way that includes a diachronic and synchronic way of looking at the Padri War. By looking at one concrete historical event, it is intended to get a better understanding of the Minangkabau adat. It was detected that there was not a strict dividing line between the adherents of the traditional system and the puritan movement. However, both sides gradually adjusted to the given situation, and the adat accepted more Islamic norms.

Batu Qulhu—The stone of death: Harmonizing traditional funerals in the Mandailing community of North Sumatra

“…The current study employs an emic approach, which entails adopting the insider's perspective from within the culture where the research project is situated, as previously described in studies by Refs. [ 7 , 45 , [64] , [65] , [66] ]. By embracing an emic approach, the research acknowledges the critical importance of comprehending and interpreting the cultural context and subjective experiences of the subjects, thereby enriching both the research process and its findings.…”

“…One explanation suggests that it stems from the Indonesian word ‘padri ,' which referred to priests. It is important to emphasize that the notable figures associated with the Padri movement can be likened to ‘Islamic priests’ [ 45 ]. This movement emerged in the early 1800s as a reformist Islamic movement led by local scholars known as ulama.…”

“…Padri movement gained support from various segments of the population, including the rural communities, who were attracted to their message of religious purity and social justice [ 46 ]. The Padris' growing influence and power threatened the traditional rulers, known as penghulu, who feared losing their authority and control [ 41 , 45 ].…”