The dialectic of fiqh understanding and the female Imam-Khatib tradition in Balingka, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the fiqh understanding and women’s religious role in the tradition of female priests and preachers (imamkhatib) in Balingka, West Sumatra, Indonesia. A qualitative approach was used with data obtained through interviews with informants, including female priests (imam), religious scholars, village guardians, community leaders, and women figures in Balingka. Furthermore, documentation and observation were also used to collect data. The results showed a relationship between the dynamics of fiqh understanding and women’s religious role. A moderate fiqh understanding makes the practice of female imam-khatib persist, supporting its recognition, and acceptance. Conversely, radical fiqh thoughts make the tradition of female imam-khatib criticized and challenged. The shift in fiqh understanding brings this tradition to an end after lasting for almost a century in Balingka. The study of Islam socialized by the Salafis through television and internet media shifted the understanding of fiqh from a moderate to a radical style, bringing this tradition to an end. Consequently, women are marginalized from their religious roles and are subordinate to men’s roles. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengungkap hubungan pemahaman fikih dan peran keagamaan perempuan pada kasus muncul dan berakhirnya tradisi imam-khatib perempuan di Balingka, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia. Desain penelitian ini adalah field research dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Data penelitian didapatkan melalui wawancara dengan informan terpilih yang terdiri dari para pelaku imam-khatib perempuan, para ulama, wali nagari, tokoh masyarakat, dan tokoh perempuan di Balingka. Di samping itu, digunakan juga data hasil studi dokumentasi dan observasi. Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara dinamika pemahaman fikih dan peran keagamaan perempuan di Balingka. Ketika pemahaman fikih bercorak moderat, praktik imam-khatib perempuan mendapatkan pengakuan, diterima dan bertahan. Sebaliknya ketika pemikiran fikih beralih ke corak radikal, tradisi imam-khatib perempuan mendapatkan kritikan dan tantangan. Pergeseran pemahaman fikih menjadi salah satu penyebab berakhirnya tradisi imam-khatib perempuan yang telah berlangsung selama hampir satu abad di Balingka. Kajian Islam yang disosialisasikan kaum salafi melalui media televisi dan internet menjadi pemicu pergeseran pemahaman fikih dari corak moderat ke corak radikal yang berujung berakhirnya tradisi imam khatib perempuan di Balingka. Perempuan Balingka terpinggirkan dari peran keagamaannya dan kembali tersubordinasi di bawah peran laki-laki.