Being pious among Indonesian Salafis

Abstract

This essay is a brief explanation on the development of the process of Islamic Puritanism among Salafis in Indonesia. The article argues that the Salafis in Indonesia are in the process of puritanization and Arabization. Being pious, to them, means that one has to become an Arab and a Puritan Muslim. This puritanization of Islam is shown by purifying Islamic doctrines from any deviation. That is, religious concepts and practices should be based on the Qur'an and the Sunna only. Likewise, Salafis present themselves as like Arabs as their men let their beard grows, wear turban and trousers above their ankles, while their women wear enveloping veil (niqab). The research also found out that the using of Arabic words, like abi (father), umi (mother), 'ami (uncle), 'ama (aunt), akhi and ukhti for friend, are widely popular. Changing name from Javanese to Arabic is another form of Arabization. The acts of piety among Indonesian purist Salafis show that Salafi challenges both secular and traditional worlds which aim to create a stronger bonding every the followers among them, but, at the same time, distance them from other groups.