Sufism and Islamism Da’wah Among Former Thugs

This study examines the da'wah practices of Sufi and Islamist groups among former thugs in Solo, Indonesia. It further explores how the distinct religious teachings promoted by these two groups shape the religious beliefs, social attitudes, and everyday lives of their followers. Employing a qualitative research design and a symbolic interactionist approach, the study investigates how former thugs construct shared meanings through social interactions mediated by symbols such as language, gestures, and religious practices. It argues that the meanings attached to these symbols differ significantly between Sufi and Islamist communities, resulting in contrasting patterns of religious and social transformation. The findings indicate that former thugs affiliated with Sufi groups tend to develop more moderate religious orientations, demonstrate greater cultural adaptability, accept Indonesia's democratic and constitutional system, and exhibit higher levels of tolerance toward social and religious diversity. In contrast, those associated with Islamist groups are more likely to adopt exclusivist and radical religious perspectives, reject local cultural traditions deemed incompatible with their interpretation of Islam, question the legitimacy of the Indonesian state system, and display limited acceptance of religious and cultural differences. By comparing the outcomes of Sufi and Islamist da'wah among former thugs, this study highlights the significant role of religious preaching in shaping social integration, religious identity, and civic attitudes. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how different models of Islamic da'wah influence processes of religious conversion and social reintegration among marginalized groups in contemporary Indonesia.

Democracy · Indonesian · Islam · Legitimacy · Religious controversies · Religious identity · Social identity theory · Asian Studies and History · Cultural and Religious Practices in Indonesia · Islamic Studies and Radicalism