THE CONTESTATION OF ISLAMIC THOUGHT IN NGANTRU: A STUDY ON THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY'S RESPONSE TO ISSUES OF DIVERSITY, DIGITAL MEDIA, AND THE CHALLENGES OF MODERNITY
Keywords:
Islamic Though, Digital Media, Modernity and Religious TraditionAbstract
This study examines the contestation of Islamic thought in Ngantru, Tulungagung, East Java, focusing on the Muslim community's response to issues of diversity, digital media, and the challenges of modernity. The background to this study is driven by the social and cultural dynamics developing in society, as well as the strong influence of digitalization, which is changing the way Islam is viewed at the local level. This study employs a qualitative approach using structured interviews, involving key informants such as religious scholars, pesantren educators, and young people to explore their perspectives on these changes. The results of the study show that the Ngantru community faces a dilemma between preserving established Islamic traditions and responding to the demands of social change, particularly those influenced by digital media. Social media has expanded the horizons of thought, but it has also sparked debates about religious authority and the emergence of conservative thinking that conflicts with local moderate traditions. On the other hand, the community is striving to adapt Islamic values to modernity, despite concerns about the loss of traditional values. This research provides insights into how the contestation of Islamic thought in Ngantru creates space for reflection and adaptation, which can enrich religious practices in Indonesia.
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