Integration Between Adat and Islam in the Practice of Religious Freedom in West Sumatra

Abstract

The Minangkabau community traditionally integrates adat (customary law) and Islam as a form of local wisdom across various domains, including interactions with non-Minangs, marriage between religions, inheritance, government systems and resolution of domestic violence. However, this integration is less evident in issues of religious freedom. Interestingly, in the community of Sungai Buluh Minang, the local wisdom of Bodi Caniago adat and Tarekat Syattariyah provide the foundation for practising religious freedom in the village. This article analyses the integration of the local wisdom of Bodi Caniago and Tarekat Syattariyah in the practice of religious freedom. Through literature study, observation and interviews, this research shows that equality reflected in the concept of deliberation and consensus of Bodi Caniago adat has legitimised the existence of two churches for the Nias community, the provision of honorariums for church religious teachers and the availability of burial areas for the Nias community. At the same time, tolerance that emphasises respect for the doctrine of the Shattariyyah Order has allowed their children to wear school uniforms without the headscarf and receive religious education from Christian teachers. The values of equality and tolerance reflect a discourse of Islamic humanism characterised by anthropo-cosmic integration between God, nature and human beings, as well as a pluralistic epistemology between tradition, Islam and a sense of responsibility towards society. This article argues that the values of equality and tolerance deeply rooted in Islamic humanism are compatible with human rights, particularly religious freedom as a civilised practice based on religion.