Functional Sufism and Integrative Islamic Practice
The Legacy of KHR. Syamsul Arifin in Contemporary Indonesia
Keywords:
functional sufism, integrative sufism, Islamic education, Islamic reform , public spiritualityAbstract
This study investigates the model of functional Sufism developed by KHR Syamsul Arifin in the context of contemporary Islamic practice in Indonesia. It examines the integration of fiqh, theology, and tasawwuf in daily religious and social life. Employing an exploratory qualitative method, the research analyzes Syamsul Arifin’s texts and Sufistic practices through an interpretive academic framework. Findings reveal that his model emphasizes therapeutic, moral, and educative functions of Sufism. It responds effectively to modern challenges such as spiritual crisis, social fragmentation, and the secularization of education. The implementation of wirid and dhikr contributes to shaping a practical and lived spirituality among Muslims. Compared to other Southeast Asian Sufism models, this approach proves to be more pragmatic and reform-oriented, especially in education, healing, and social transformation. This study contributes to the discourse on transformative Islamic education and inclusive public spirituality, offering a fresh perspective on locally grounded, applicable Sufism.
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