Abstract
This article explores the growing trend of self-transformation, commonly called as hijra, among young Muslims in Indonesia. It focuses on participants of an Islamic learning group organised at the Nurul Iman Mosque in Blok M Square, Jakarta. These young Muslims actively engage in regular Islamic learning and view their participation as a form of hijra (migration) to the Salafi path. By investigating their motivations, initial encounters with Salafism, and their understanding and implementation of hijra in both personal and social spheres, this study scrutinizes the conceptualization and practical enactment of hijra within their individual and communal lives. This study argues that these Salafi youths view hijra as an intricate transformative journey geared towards the augmentation of their Islamic devotion. They strive to integrate Salafi principles into their daily routines, manifesting in their adherence to Islamic dress codes, comportment in accordance with shari’a, abstention from visual imagery, avoidance of bid'a (unlawful innovation) and usurious transactions, adherence to the sunna in their social interactions, and the active pursuit of shari'a-compliant activities during their leisure time. The narratives recounted by the Salafi youth underscore the intricate dynamics they navigate, often involving compromises and accommodations to harmonize their steadfast commitment to the Salafi path with the imperatives of social cohesion within their familial and broader social milieu.
This article explores the growing trend of self-transformation, commonly called as hijra, among young Muslims in Indonesia. It focuses on participants of an Islamic learning group organised at the Nurul Iman Mosque in Blok M Square, Jakarta. These young Muslims actively engage in regular Islamic learning and view their participation as a form of hijra (migration) to the Salafi path. By investigating their motivations, initial encounters with Salafism, and their understanding and implementation of hijra in both personal and social spheres, this study scrutinizes the conceptualization and practical enactment of hijra within their individual and communal lives. This study argues that these Salafi youths view hijra as an intricate transformative journey geared towards the augmentation of their Islamic devotion. They strive to integrate Salafi principles into their daily routines, manifesting in their adherence to Islamic dress codes, comportment in accordance with shari’a, abstention from visual imagery, avoidance of bid'a (unlawful innovation) and usurious transactions, adherence to the sunna in their social interactions, and the active pursuit of shari'a-compliant activities during their leisure time. The narratives recounted by the Salafi youth underscore the intricate dynamics they navigate, often involving compromises and accommodations to harmonize their steadfast commitment to the Salafi path with the imperatives of social cohesion within their familial and broader social milieu.
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I confirm that this research was funded by the Centre of Research of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta for 2021 research budget.
Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Indonesia
Syamsul Rijal
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
Syamsul Rijal
Correspondence to Syamsul Rijal.
I confirm that the research for this paper has received ethical approval from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Ethical Review Board on 14 June 2021. The research adhered to ethical guidelines, including informed consent and confidentiality.
Conflict of interestThe author declares no competing interests.
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This paper is the result of participatory observation, interview, and literature studies.
InterviewsAbdul Hamid, 23 June 2021, Jakarta.
Aidil, 26 June 2021, Jakarta.
Amri, 20 June 2021, Jakarta.
Annisa, 2 July 2021, Jakarta.
Arham, 25 July 2021, Jakarta.
Armanto, 7 July 2021, Jakarta.
Arya, 24 June 2021, Jakarta.
Asnan, 27 June 2021, Jakarta.
Dewi, 26 June 2021, Jakarta.
Fatimah, 28 August 2021, Jakarta.
Fauziah, 29 June 2021, Jakarta.
Fitrian, 20 June 2021, Jakarta.
Hilman, 20 June 2021, Jakarta.
Imran, 20 June 2021, Jakarta.
Khadijah, 22 June 2021, Jakarta.
Maulidah, 25 June 2021, Jakarta.
Mutiara, 25 July 2022, Jakarta.
Nirwanto, 24 June 2021, Jakarta.
Rahmi, 8 July 2021, Jakarta.
Siska, 25 July 2021, Jakarta.
Siti Maryam, 6 July 2021, Jakarta.
Ummu Bintan, 25 June 2021, Jakarta.
Yuni Fauzar, 17 June 2021, Jakarta.
Yunita, 8 July 2021, Jakarta.
This research was funded by the Centre of Research and Publication, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah in 2021.
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
Rijal, S. Pursuing hijrah to Salafi path: urban Muslim youth and the quest for self-transformation in Indonesia. Cont Islam 19, 101–121 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-024-00564-x
Accepted: 09 July 2024
Published: 10 August 2024
Issue Date: April 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-024-00564-x
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