Mazahibuna: Jurnal Perbandingan Mazhab

Decoupling Jihad from Boko-Haram Insurgency

Ismael Funsho Yusuph, Taofeeq Abolaji Abdulraheem, Abdurrozaq Opeyemi Abdulazeez — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The concept of Jihad is an essential Islamic doctrine often misrepresented and misunderstood, particularly in contemporary discourse. Jihad has a well-defined framework in Islamic law but insurgent groups such as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lida’awati wal Jihad in Nigeria, popularly known as Boko-Haram, claim to act under its banner. The situation raises concerns about the distortion of Jihad and subsequent conflation with insurgency. Therefore, this study aimed to critically examine the principles of Jihad under Islamic law and determine the possible connection to the activities of Boko-Haram. The analysis of misconceptions surrounding Jihad was to clarify its distinction from insurgency. This was achieved through the adoption of a qualitative method to analyze the classical and contemporary Islamic legal texts in order to establish the parameters of Jihad. Moreover, the principles were compared with the actions of Boko-Haram to determine whether their claims could be substantiated in Islamic jurisprudence. The results showed that the activities of Boko-Haram were not in line with the principles of Jihad as prescribed in Islamic law. However, their actions reflected the characteristics of insurgency which negated the ethical and legal framework of Jihad rooted in justice, equity, and moral conduct. This study contributed to the discourse on Jihad by systematically distinguishing the concept from insurgency through Islamic legal principles, offering a scholarly response to contemporary misinterpretations. The analysis further served as a foundation for future studies on religious misinterpretations in justifying violence and could also inform policy formulation, counter-radicalization tactics, and public awareness initiatives.

Sharia Legal Certainty in Boycotts

Nadia, Ahmad Arief, Juraev Abror Turobovich — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Fatwa No. 14/Ijtima' Ulama/VIII/2024 in clarifying the ambiguities of No. 83 of 2023, which addresses the boycott of products affiliated with Israel. The legal certainty provided by Fatwa No. 14, its role in guiding the public and businesses, and its broader socio-economic implications were evaluated. The study adopted content analysis, historiographical review, and documentary to analyze primary and secondary sources, such as official fatwas, policy reports, academic journals, and media reports. This method assesses the fatwa’s clarity, its social impact, and potential economic consequences. The result showed that Fatwa No. 14 aimed to resolve the ambiguity of No. 83 by promoting domestic products, local ownership, and national labor. However, the criteria remain imprecise, particularly concerning foreign ownership limits and the proportion of local raw materials, leading to public confusion and potential economic losses for unrelated businesses. Reactions to the fatwa have been polarized, with some perceiving the decree as a demonstration of economic solidarity, while others criticize the adverse effects of the fatwa on local businesses. This study provides a comprehensive legal and socio-economic assessment of MUI's fatwa on product boycotts, showing legal ambiguities and policy gaps that have yet to be addressed. By bridging Islamic legal studies and economic analysis, the study offers a novel perspective on the intersection of religious decrees and market dynamics. There is also a need for clearer guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure the fatwa’s effectiveness while minimizing unintended economic repercussions. In conclusion, this study contributes to the broader discourse on Sharia legal certainty, religious fatwas, and the impact on socio-economic justice.

The Harmonizing the Hijri Calendar

Mursyid Fikri, Muh Fauzi Anas, Arjuna Hiqma Lubis, Indriana — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The determination of the beginning of Hijri months in Indonesia reflects significant diversity, particularly in the methods adopted by different Muslim organizations. This study aims to examine the potential conflicts arising from the implementation of the new Imkān al-Ru’yah criteria in Indonesia and to compare them with the criteria used in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and literature analysis. The collected data is analyzed through content analysis to understand the underlying factors contributing to the differences in Hijri month determination. The findings indicate that the new Imkān al-Ru’yah criteria have intensified long-standing disputes due to variations in crescent visibility in the eastern hemisphere. Key discrepancies arise from differences in hisab criteria, interpretations of Islamic legal principles regarding Ulil Amri, and the symbolic meaning of the crescent moon. The study also reveals that Muhammadiyah’s KHGT criteria align with those of Saudi Arabia, whereas the new Mabims criteria differ from those of Saudi Arabia. This study provides a comparative analysis of Hijri month determination criteria across multiple countries, highlighting the underlying theological and astronomical factors that shape different methodologies. The research offers insights into the complexities of Hijri calendar determination in Indonesia and contributes to discussions on standardizing crescent sighting criteria. The findings may serve as a basis for fostering greater alignment among Islamic organizations and regional authorities.