The changing piety and spirituality: a new trend of Islamic urbanism in Yogyakarta and Surakarta

Abstract

The prevalence of urban spiritualism is on the rise among residents of major cities. One observable manifestation of urban spiritualism is the growing number of diverse social recitation gatherings. The present research looks into four distinct profiles of assemblies that have emerged in the urban areas of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The four assemblies comprise Muslim United and Teras Dakwah. In Surakarta, it is worth noting the presence of two prominent organisations, namely Majelis Ar-Raudhah, established by Habib Novel Alaydrus, and Majelis Busytanul Asyiqin, founded by Habib Syech Assegaf. This study elucidates the techniques employed by the aforementioned four assemblies to disseminate moderate religious knowledge within urban circles, as well as their respective reactions to the evolving spiritual dynamics observed within urban communities. The present study employs a qualitative methodology, specifically a field study approach. The findings of this study suggest a shift in the dominance of religious authority among renowned ustadz and habaib figures. By endorsing the dissemination of widely recognised da’wah conducted by these prominent individuals, it contributes to the enhancement of religious literacy among urban populations. The study findings also interpret the santrinisation and piety activities observed in urban communities as a tangible expression of the veracity of religious teachings. Urban spiritualisme kalangan urban di kota-kota besar demikian meningkat. Indikasi yang bisa dilihat dari kehadiran urban spiritualisme adalah munculnya berbagai majelis pengajian. Penelitian ini mengangkat empat profil majelis yang berkembang di kota Yogyakarta dan Surakarta. Empat majelis itu antara lain, Muslim United, Teras Dakwah. Sedangkan di Surakarta, terdapat Majelis Ar-Raudhah yang didirikan Habib Novel Alaydrus dan Majelis Busytanul Asyiqin, yang didirikan Habib Syech Assegaf. Riset ini menjelaskan bagaimana empat majelis di atas mendiseminasi pengetahuan agama yang moderat sehingga bisa diterima di kalangan urban dan respon empat majelis di atas terhadap dinamika spiritualitas masyarakat urban yang semakin dinamis. Penelitian ini berbasiskan kualititatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan studi lapangan. Hasil kajian ini mengargumentasikan mulai bergesernya otoritas keagamaan yang didominasi para ustadz terkenal dan figur habaib. Dengan mengedepankan dakwah populer yang diusung para figur tersebut turut meningkatkan literasi pemahaman agama masyarakat urban. Temuan penelitian ini juga melihat adanya santrinisasi dan aktivitas kesalehan masyarakat urban sebagai wujud kebenaran ajaran agama.