The role of Tharîqat in strengthening nationalism in Indonesia

Abstract

Tharîqat in Indonesia is experiencing rapid and massive development as an organization oriented towards the establishment of intensive relations between servants and God. Many consider the life orientation and behavior of Sufis who practice the order to be indifferent to worldly life. Nevertheless, the Tharîqat underwent an evolution from what originally functioned exclusively to being inclusive in the realm of life. This research proves that there is strong evidence of the involvement of the Tharîqat in various domains of state life in Indonesia. Tharîqat’s function in strengthening nationalism is also implemented through religious moderation to counteract radicalism in Indonesia. Tharîqat can also be an instrument of peacebuilding and faith-based nationalism in Indonesia. This study recommends further study of Tharîqat’s role in strengthening nationalism with a contextual approach as an initial mapping of Tharîqat’s contribution to addressing social change and the development of ongoing radicalism.