Description
Discover the essential reading, 'What Is Religious Authority?', a seminal work by anthropologist Ismail Fajrie Alatas that unveils the intricate processes through which Islamic religious authority is constructed within communities, particularly on the vibrant island of Java. This engaging trade paperback offers profound insights into the dynamics of religion and community building, providing an enlightening perspective on how religious leaders unite various facets of life and navigate differing interpretations of Islam. With a focus on historical context, Alatas traces the influences of Muslim saints and scholars from Yemen to Indonesia, revealing the pathways through which Islamic teachings have been transmitted across diverse cultures.
Delve into the life of Indonesia's prominent Sufi master, Habib Luthfi, and discover his significant role in shaping Islamic authority amidst competitive religious landscapes. Alatas deftly illustrates how Habib Luthfi leverages both state and community infrastructures to foster a resilient religious community while asserting his lineage connected to the Prophet Muhammad. 'What Is Religious Authority?' challenges conventional notions of Islamic identity, exposing how translation, collaboration, and the contestation of ideas continually shape the power and diversity within Islam. Ideal for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of anthropology and religious studies, this book is a must-read for understanding the evolving nature of Islamic authority today.
Delve into the life of Indonesia's prominent Sufi master, Habib Luthfi, and discover his significant role in shaping Islamic authority amidst competitive religious landscapes. Alatas deftly illustrates how Habib Luthfi leverages both state and community infrastructures to foster a resilient religious community while asserting his lineage connected to the Prophet Muhammad. 'What Is Religious Authority?' challenges conventional notions of Islamic identity, exposing how translation, collaboration, and the contestation of ideas continually shape the power and diversity within Islam. Ideal for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of anthropology and religious studies, this book is a must-read for understanding the evolving nature of Islamic authority today.