Redefining Jihad in Da’wah Against Radicalism Among Female Ulama in West Java

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the construction of jihad through redefining jihad within the context of da’wah (religious outreach) against radicalism among female ulama (clerics) in West Java. The study aims to understand the meaning, motives, and experiences associated with this construction of jihad, particularly in the context of addressing religious radicalism affecting women in the regions of Garut, Tasikmalaya, and Tasikmalaya City. Method: The research methodology employed is constructivist qualitative, utilizing data collection techniques such as interviews, observation, and documentation. Purposive sampling was used to select informants, including female ulama, women leaders and activists, radicalism observers, and members of the Executive Board of the Indonesian Ulama Council in the specified districts. The study focuses on the religious approach taken through da'wah in women's taklim assemblies (Islamic study groups) to construct jihad as a solution to the problem of religious radicalism among women. Result: The study reveals several key aspects of the construction of jihad in da’wah against radicalism among female ulama: Meaning of Jihad: The jihad of female clerics involves preaching, contextualization within hijrah (migration), attendance at taklim assemblies, and fostering diversity. Motives for Jihad: Motives include healing women's psychological wounds, providing a dialogue space for congregations, fostering tolerance among congregations, addressing radicalism targeting women, and broadening women's understanding of moderate and humanist Islamic teachings. Experiences of Jihad: Experiences of jihad include participation in taklim assembly studies, engaging in open dialogic spaces, assisting the wives of former terrorist convicts, providing mental health therapy, critiquing da'wah on social media, strengthening national insight, and providing education on the rights and relationships of husbands and wives in the family. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the construction of jihad in da’wah against radicalism among female ulama involves multifaceted meanings, motives, and experiences. The efforts of female ulama in addressing religious radicalism encompass preaching, dialogue, education, and psychological support. By redefining jihad in this manner, female ulama contribute significantly to countering radicalism, fostering tolerance, and promoting a broad, moderate understanding of Islam among congregations, particularly women, in the specified regions of West Java.