Islam as Discursive Tradition
Synthesizing the Thought of Sahal Mahfudz and Talal Asad’s Theoretical Framework in the Pesantren Context
Keywords:
discursive Islam, KH Sahal Mahfudz, pesantren, social fiqh, Talal AsadAbstract
This study aims to explore the integration of Talal Asad’s conceptual framework and KH Sahal Mahfudz’s thought in understanding pesantren as a space for articulating Islam as a discursive tradition. The research adopts a qualitative approach through textual study and non-participant observation of kitab kuning, KH Sahal’s works, and scholarly practices in several pesantren in East Java, such as Lirboyo, Tambakberas Jombang, and various pesantren in Madura. The analysis combines content analysis and discourse analysis to examine the structure of knowledge, social dynamics, and the construction of Islamic meaning within pesantren practices. The findings reveal that pesantren not only preserve the classical Islamic tradition but also actively reproduce Islamic meaning through bahtsul masāil forums and the application of social fiqh. KH Sahal Mahfudz plays a pivotal role in shaping a contextual and reflective tradition of ijtihad that responds to social realities. These findings indicate that pesantren function as discursive spaces where Islam is historically and socially produced, and that integrating Asad’s and KH Sahal’s frameworks enriches the understanding of a dynamic Islam in the Indonesian context.
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