Follow the style or the God? A case study on Religiosity Dynamic among Millennial Hijab-Stylists in Surabaya

Abstract

Fashionable hijab has been increasingly popular among Muslim Women in Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population. For Muslim women, Hijab is not only a matter of religious obligations, but also physical appearance. Wearing hijab causes both physical and spiritual consequences. For the millennials, this can lead to identity confusion between choosing a conventional hijab that follow the Shari'a principles or choosing a trendy hijab to keep them attractive yet viewed less positive by some Muslim community. Using a stylist dressing is sometimes a difficult decision, especially if it violates the principles of Shari'ah. From this background, the present study tried to explore the dynamics of the religiosity of Muslim youth that weab stylist hijab. This study used a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected using interviews to 4 adolescents in Surabaya who chose to use the fashionable hijab. Data were analyzed using the thematic analysis. Some of the themes that emerged were the commitment and effort to consistently perform religious rituals, the belief that the hijab mandatory that should not be abandoned, and the commitment to self-improvement and not seriously violate the Shari'a principle despite using stylist hijab.