Santri: Journal of Pesantren and Fiqh Sosial

Resistance and Adaptation: The Transformation of Pesantren Salafiyah in West Sumatra Between Islamic Scholarly Traditions and the Demands of Modernity

Harmonedi Harmonedi — 2025-12-24

This study aims to analyze the dynamics and dilemmas faced by Pesantren Salafiyah in West Sumatra in maintaining traditional Islamic education amidst the currents of modernization and globalization. The research approach used is a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The research subjects included kiai, teachers or ustadz, santri, almuni, and the surrounding community from several pesantren salafiyah, namely Pesantren Ashhabul Yamin Lasi in Agam Regency, Pesantren al-Manaar Batuampar in Lima Puluh Kota, MTI III Kampung Candung, MTI Tengku Tuah in Lima Puluh Kota, Pondok, and MTI Batang Kabung. The study’s results indicate that pesantren salafiyah play an important role in preserving the treasures of classical Islamic knowledge by teaching “kitab kuning” (classical Islamic texts) using traditional methods such as bandongan, sorogan, and halaqah. However, pesantren faces complex challenges, including changes in educational policies, limited resources, leadership renewal, and public perceptions of the relevance of pesantren graduates in the modern world. Nevertheless, many pesantren demonstrate adaptive capabilities through selective integration of modern elements, such as the addition of a general curriculum, strengthened management, and the use of learning technology, without abandoning their scholarly identity. The principle of "al-muhafazhah 'ala al-qadim al-shalih wa al-akhdz bi al-jadid al-ashlah" (religious guidance, the guidance of the righteous) serves as the basis for maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation. With wise and collaborative management, pesantren salafiyah has the potential to become models of relevant and sustainable Islamic education.

Comparative Analysis of Madzhab Zahiriyah and the Madzahib al-Arba'ah through the Study of the Book al-Ittijahat al-Fiqhiyah 'Inda Ashabil Hadith

Nabilah Qothrul Muna — 2025-12-25

Madzhab Zahiriyah is more often known for its textualist approach to texts as legal ijtihad and for its rejection of the qiyas and ra’y methods. Most of its legal sources are the Qur'an and hadith, which are clearly evident. Some Madzhab also give their opinions on Madzhab Zahiriyah, and compare it to the 4th Madzhab, the Madzahib al-Arba'ah, regarding its legal istinbat. This study aims to examine the relationship between Madzhab Zahiriyah and the four Madzhabs of fiqh (Mazāhib al-Arba'ah), through the literature study research method with the primary source of the book al-Ittijahat al-Fiqhiyah 'Inda Ashhab al-Hadis fi al-Qarni ats-Tsalits, supported by other literature sources. This study examines the relationship between Madzhab Zahiriyah and the Madzāhib al-Arba'ah of fiqh, specifically regarding differences in ijtihad methodology. Although both are based on the Qur'an and Hadith as primary sources, the Madzhab Zahiriyah of thought takes a fundamentally different approach. Madzhab Zahiriyah of thought strongly rejects the use of qiyās, istihsān, and all forms of ra'y-based ijtihad, which are the primary instruments in the legal istinbāṭ methodology of the other Madzahib al-Arba’ah of thought.

Internalizing Ecotheological Values: Strategies of Pesantren in Fostering Environmentally Conscious Character

Muhammad Diwanul Mujahidin — 2025-12-26

The ongoing environmental crisis in modern society requires urgent attention, as the universe was created with an inherent balance. This research investigates the ecotheological perspective developed within pesantren education, aiming to analyze the role of pesantren in fostering environmental awareness grounded in Islamic values. Pesantren possess significant potential to cultivate ecological awareness among santri by integrating Islamic teachings with local wisdom. This study employs a literature review method with a theoretical approach, analyzing sociological theories of religion relevant to pesantren education that support the internalization of ecotheological values. The findings demonstrate that pesantren can instill environmental values through an ecotheological approach. Specifically, pesantren can implement the principle of khalifah fi al-ardl, which emphasizes human responsibility as stewards of the universe (rahmatal lil alamin). Additionally, pesantren serves as platforms for Islamic scholars to develop environmental jurisprudence (fiqh al-bi'ah), which governs environmental protection. Furthermore, pesantren utilizes best practices to instill ecotheological values through contextual and experiential learning. Consequently, pesantren education can help cultivate a generation characterized by strong ecological awareness and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Adaptation and Resilience: A Narrative Study on Grit among Santri in Pesantren Environments

Achmad Ali Reza — 2025-12-28

This study explores the development of grit among santri (students) in pesantren environments through a qualitative narrative approach. The study employed narrative interviews with three santri (E, F, H), and the data were analysed using thematic narrative analysis to capture developmental patterns of perseverance. Grit—defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals—was examined across participants' lived experiences. Findings reveal a five-stage process: orientation (intrinsic motivation, spiritual drive), complication (emotional pressure, adaptation crises), effort (coping strategies, social support), resolution (perspective shifts, self-acceptance), and evaluation (reflection on resilience). The results highlight grit as a dynamic process shaped by initial motivation, social interactions, spiritual values, and identity reconstruction. The study underscores pesantren environments as transformative spaces that foster character development through adaptive challenges, reinforcing long-term resilience.

Transforming the Ecological Behavior of Santri through the Go Green Program based on the Eco-Pesantren Model

Siti Rozinah — 2025-12-28

This study addresses the main research question: how the Go Green program at Pesantren Attaqwa Bekasi is implemented and how ecological values, particularly hubbul bi’ah (love and responsibility toward the environment), are internalized in santri behaviour. The study is grounded in the increasing significance of eco-pesantren as an Islamic-based environmental education model, especially following the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs’ ASRI policy, which mandates systematic environmental conservation practices across religious educational institutions. However, it also explores common challenges such as resource limitations, community engagement, and institutional resistance that may affect replication. This research positions eco-pesantren not merely as physical environmental projects but also as pedagogical and managerial frameworks that shape value internalization, habit formation, and institutional support for ecological practices. Using a descriptive qualitative case study, the analysis centres on three core components of the program: greening initiatives, integrated waste management, and the charity-based plastic bottle donation scheme. The findings reveal that the Go Green Program fosters santri behavioural transformation through experiential learning, structured collective habituation, and religious messaging that frames environmental care as a divine mandate. These initiatives not only improve the pesantren’s physical environment but also cultivate ecological character through discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and sustainability awareness. The study further shows that the success of eco-pesantren is determined by governance, community participation, external partnerships, and overcoming implementation barriers. Overall, this research contributes to the development of eco-pesantren models in Indonesia and highlights their potential as replicable forms of sustainability-oriented Islamic education.

Optimizing Qur’an Memorization in Pesantren through the Pomodoro Technique Based on Gagné’s Hierarchical Learning Framework

Bunga Shuhaila Rachmadini — 2025-12-29

This study aims to analyze the strategies of tahfidz teachers for overcoming challenges in memorizing the Qur’an at the Sunan Bonang Tahfidz Female Dormitory, Pesantren Mamba'ul Ma'arif, Denanyar, Jombang. Highlighting external challenges can deepen empathy for santri struggles (student in pesantren) and the importance of effective strategies. The research method used was a case study with a qualitative approach, involving observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection techniques. The results indicate that the tahfidz learning process at this pesantren is carried out in stages, starting from bi an-nadhor (reading by looking at the Mushaf), maqbul (memorizing the 30th juz and certain surah), and bi al-ghoib (memorizing without looking at the Mushaf). The results of this discussion indicate that applying the Pomodoro technique, combined with the Stepwise Learning theory and the Nine Events of Instruction by Robert Gagné, has proven effective in improving the quality, focus, and sustainability of the Qur'an memorization process at the Pesantren Sunan Bonang. This method provides a systematic, gradual, and mastery-oriented learning structure, while strengthening the processes of ziyadah, mura’jaah, and tasmi' through appropriate time management, repetition, and feedback.

Authority Vis-à-vis Scientific Logic: A Critique of the Epistemological Foundations of Fiqh

Reza Fauzi Nazar — 2025-12-31

This paper explores the epistemological problem of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), which is often celebrated for its flexibility. The main question addressed is why fiqh continues to survive despite its weak logical structure when measured against the standards of formal logic. Positioned within the framework of philosophy of science and mantiq (logic), this study argues that the resilience of fiqh does not stem from logical consistency but rather from its role as an authoritative system. The analysis focuses on three critical aspects: the definitional ambiguity of key concepts that fail to fulfill the criterion of jāmi‘ wa māni’, the analogical reasoning (qiyās) that frequently relies on assumed causality instead of demonstrative proofs (burhān), and the legal maxims (qawā‘id al-fiqhiyyah) that tend to operate as post-decision justifications rather than guiding principles of reasoning. These weaknesses indicate that fiqh is closer to a system of authority than to a discipline of science in the strict sense. Nevertheless, the same weaknesses paradoxically contribute to its adaptability and persistence across different eras. The paper concludes that fiqh is strong in praxis but fragile in theory, and it recommends an epistemological reconstruction through precise definitional work, strengthening qiyās with demonstrative causality, and reformulating legal maxims with objective parameters. Such reconstruction would enable fiqh to transform from a primarily authoritative tradition into a rational, systematic, and contextually relevant body of knowledge.