Bridging Fiqh and Religious Practice: Actualizing the Function of Ḥāshiyah as a Form of Worship in the Scribal Traditions of Madurese Pesantren Literature

Abstract

The function of the ḥāshiyah (gloss), traditionally serving as an explanatory tool for words requiring further exploration, underwent a transformation in its application by kiai (local religious leader) in the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) of Madura. This shift arose from the need to actualize meanings and reinforce worship practices rooted in the Shāfi‘ī school of jurisprudence (madhhab). The emphasis on the Shāfi‘ī school was driven by the religious dynamics of 19th-century Madurese society, which leaned heavily toward mystical practices and tarekat (spiritual path) traditions. This study aims to identify the scribal process and glosses in the fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) literature of Madurese pesantren and their connection to efforts to shape a new religious practice among Madurese people. A qualitative method, informed by social construction theory, was employed to guide the analysis of the data. This study found that the preferences and choices of specific Shāfi‘ī jurisprudence literature closely align with the literature commonly used in pesantren throughout Indonesia. This shared selection reflects the recognition of Madurese kiai and become an objective reality widely accepted as standard educational material in pesantren. In response to this objective reality, Madurese kiai incorporated additional explanations that not only elucidate meanings but also address questions about the religious practices of the Madurese people, which often gravitated towards tarekat connections and mystical traditions. These commentaries extend beyond simple linguistic clarification, challenging Islamic behaviors that deviate from fiqh logic. They serve as a transformative force within the Islamic tradition, facilitating the emergence of new religious practices and reinforcing the evolving function of commentary as a means of shaping and influencing religious behavior.