Original Research: Historical Thought and Source Interpretation

Hybrid Sufism for enhancing quality of life: Ethnographic perspective in Indonesia

Suwito Suwito, Ida Novianti, Suparjo Suparjo, Corry A. Widaputri, Muhammad 'Azmi Nuha
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 78, No 4 | a7198 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v78i4.7198 | © 2022 Suwito Suwito, Ida Novianti, Suparjo Suparjo, Corry A. Widaputri, Muhammad ’Azmi Nuha | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 20 October 2021 | Published: 30 March 2022

About the author(s)

Suwito Suwito, Department of Islamic Education, Faculty of Islamic Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri, Purwokerto, Indonesia
Ida Novianti, Department of History of Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Islamic Literature and Humanities, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri, Purwokerto, Indonesia
Suparjo Suparjo, Department of Islamic Education, Faculty of Islamic Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri, Purwokerto, Indonesia
Corry A. Widaputri, Department of English Literature, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Gunung Djati, Bandung, Indonesia
Muhammad 'Azmi Nuha, Department of Islamic Education, Faculty of Islamic Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri, Purwokerto, Indonesia

Abstract

Sufism has two main dimensions: vertical (God’s pleasure) and horizontal (harmony with nature, society and local wisdom). In reality, many Sufis are considered less concerned about the balancing between vertical and horizontal dimensions. The research explores the concepts and practices of hybrid Sufism undertaken by Kyais (religious leaders) and their followers in improving quality of life. Ethnography was used for exploring the mindset and activities of Kyai and his followers. This study involved four Kyais in Java and Kalimantan, Indonesia. Research data were obtained through participant observations, in-depth interviews and documentation. The data were analysed by Spadley’s ethnographic steps as follows: (1) domain analysis, (2) taxonomy analysis, (3) componential analysis and (4) cultural-thematic analysis. The results showed that hybrid Sufism could improve quality of life. Hybrid Sufism can better appreciate and interpret local wisdom with an attitude of preserving nature and a positive understanding of worldly wealth, increasing the hard work ethos to achieve material–spiritual qualities.

Contribution: This article shows that hybrid Sufism encourages the life of Sufis in harmony between vertical and horizontal aspects. This understanding and lifestyle give rise to respect for others, being friendly to the environment and interpreting life and local wisdom.


Keywords

hybrid Sufism; quality of life; tazkiyat al-nafs; eco-Sufism; dhikr

Metrics

Total abstract views: 2668
Total article views: 2377

 

Crossref Citations

1. Theological belief towards Islamic spiritual belief: Evidence from South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Ruslan Ruslan, Muhammad A. Burga, Muli U. Noer
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies  vol: 78  issue: 4  year: 2022  
doi: 10.4102/hts.v78i4.8009