Tuan Guru, Islamic Da'wah, and Competition: The Fragmentation of Authority in Lombok-Indonesia

Abstract

The development of Islam in Lombok-Indonesia did not develop naturally. There is an influence of contestation and fragmentation of religious authority. For this reason, this study aims to investigate the dimensions of contestation and fragmentation of religious authority that influence the Islamic movement in Lombok. This research uses the case study method. Research data is sourced from observations, in-depth interviews, and literature reviews. The existence of multi-identity organizations such as NU, NW, Maraqit Ta'limat, Mukhtariyah, and Thoreqot led to competition and fragmentation of authority among leaders of religious groups. The findings of this study show that: first, the majority of religious authorities in Lombok are identical to Middle Eastern alumni. Second, the fragmentation of religious authority is represented by alumni of Shaultiyyah Makkah, Al-Azhar Cairo, and Madinah University. Third, the emergence of Salafi-Wahhabi in Islamic da'wah in East Lombok poses a challenge to traditional authority (Aswaja). An important implication of the study is that fragmentation of religious authority can legitimize the power of preaching in the public eye. In addition, Islamic da'wah authorities in Lombok-Indonesia can provide insight for other religious authorities on the successful spread of Islam in the world.