Al-Manar: Jurnal Kajian Alquran dan Hadis

Distortion in Interpreting Ahkam Verses: A Case Study of the Hakekok Balakasuta Teachings in Pandeglang Regency

Nida Roudhotul Hikmah — 2025-06-17

The emergence of the Hakekok Balakasuta teaching in Pandeglang Regency, Indonesia, has raised concerns due to its deviation from mainstream Islamic teachings, particularly in the interpretation of ahkam (legal) verses in the Quran. Rooted in the Sunda Wiwitan belief system and founded by Arya in 2021, this spiritual group promotes practices that contradict orthodox Islam, such as altering the shahada (declaration of faith), deeming the five daily prayers non-obligatory, and introducing unconventional rituals, including communal bathing without proper attire, as a form of purification. The primary issues revolve around distorted interpretations of worship practices, including prayer, fasting, zakat (alms), and purification, which misalign with Quranic injunctions and lead to potential religious fragmentation in the community. This study aims to examine the forms of distortion in interpreting ahkam verses within Hakekok Balakasuta teachings and identify the underlying causes. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach rooted in Living Qur'an studies, the research utilized direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation as primary data sources from Karangbolong, Pandeglang Regency. Secondary data were drawn from books, journals, tafsirs (Quranic commentaries), and relevant literature. Findings reveal specific distortions, such as viewing prayer as optional rather than obligatory, fasting practices diverging from Islamic norms, and the communal bathing ritual as self-purification, which lacks a scriptural basis. Contributing factors include economic hardships, low educational levels, and insufficient religious awareness among followers. The study highlights the importance of enhancing Islamic education to prevent such deviations and promote accurate Quranic interpretation.

Metaverse and Spiritual Challenges: A Quranic Contemplation Perspective on Moral Values in the Virtual World

Ma'ruf Wahyu Kawiriyan — 2025-06-17

This research explores the harmonization between the metaverse world and Qur'anic values through a Qur'anic contemplation approach, given that the virtual technology revolution has opened up new dimensions in human activities. Although physically confined to one room, the immersive technology of the metaverse allows its users to live a comprehensive virtual life, ranging from working, socializing, playing games, running a business, and realizing aspirations that are difficult to achieve in real-world life. The realism of this increasingly sophisticated virtual environment presents its own challenges in distinguishing the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds, underscoring the need to integrate Qur'anic values as a guide, so that humanity does not fall into a virtual illusion. Through a literature study with a comprehensive Qur'anic contemplation approach to verses about wishful thinking, this research identifies six fundamental values that can be implemented in interactions with the metaverse world including the avoidance of fanaticism without the basis of knowledge, the use of Islamic teachings as a parameter of truth, the avoidance of heinous and unlawful acts, vigilance against worldly pleasures, the search for sustenance through halal channels, and a commitment to honesty in every virtual activity. These values form a comprehensive ethical framework to ensure that the use of metaverse technology aligns with Islamic spiritual and moral principles.

Acculturation of Islamic and Javanese Culture in the Mujahadah Sinar Surya Demak: A Study of Living Qur'an and Hadith

Masayu Mutia Umar — 2025-06-18

This study aims to identify and analyze the forms of cultural and religious acculturation in the implementation of Mujahadah Sinar Surya by the Majelis Sekaran Jati in Demak Regency, and to examine this phenomenon from the perspective of the living Qur'an and Hadith. A socio-anthropological approach was employed to explore the social and cultural aspects of this study. The research used a qualitative descriptive-analytical method to describe the phenomenon and interpret the research data. Observational techniques and interviews were used to collect primary data, while documentation was used as supporting data. The results show that the implementation of Sinar Surya Mujahadah not only reflects Islamic teachings but also involves local cultural values. Elements of acculturation are evident in Javanese cultural symbols such as the wayang gunungan, the Javanese calendar for scheduling activities, and the use of batik and blangkon by the congregation. This demonstrates that Islam can adapt to local culture without leaving the essence of its teachings. This study contributes to understanding the integration of religion and culture as a harmonious local identity.

Revitalizing the Meaning of Ta'awun through the Jimpitan Tradition in Addressing Structural Poverty in Rural Indonesia: A Living Qur’an Study

Mohamad Barmawi — 2025-06-18

The Islamic concept of ta'awun is vital for an ideal social life. In rural Indonesia, jimpitan traditions—forms of Islam-based mutual cooperation—help address economic disparities. The study examines how religious perspectives intersect with cultural practices to enhance financial resilience in the face of poverty in Tugusari Village, Bangsalsari Subdistrict, Jember Regency, East Java. Key challenges include unequal resource distribution and inadequate daily education in Islamic values. This study examines ta'awun using a living Quran approach. It explores the views of community leaders, contextualizes Quranic verses, and assesses the role of ta'awun in poverty alleviation. The research uses the living al-Quran method in a micro-case study, integrating thematic Quranic exegesis, field observations, and in-depth interviews. This contextual method fosters economic resilience. The findings show jimpitan builds social solidarity, teaches resource management, encourages sharing, and reduces poverty through collective zakat and infaq. Jimpitan also fosters community cohesion and promotes Islamic values for sustainable development. Overall, ta'awun through jimpitan demonstrates a successful local, faith-based approach to poverty reduction.

Rebo Wekasan in Cempakasari: Harmony of Islamic Values and Local Wisdom through Living Qur'an

Tria Umami — 2025-06-18

This study examines the symbolic meanings inherent in the Rebo Wekasan tradition within the framework of the Living Qur’an in Cempakasari Village, Serang, Indonesia. As a cherished cultural heritage observed on the last Wednesday of Safar in the Hijri calendar, Rebo Wekasan seamlessly blends Islamic values with local wisdom, serving as a communal rite for seeking protection from calamities and invoking blessings. Employing a qualitative ethno-graphic approach, the research draws on participatory observation, in-depth interviews with villagers, and document analysis to unpack how participants interpret ritual symbols—such as collective prayers, almsgiving, and the ritual use of sacred water—as manifestations of Qur’anic principles like tawhid, compassion, and divine safeguarding. The findings reveal that, although not universally practiced in the village, Rebo Wekasan fosters social and spiritual harmony, serving as a dynamic vehicle for transmitting contextual Islamic teachings. It reflects the community's lived interpretation of Qur’anic verses on unity (e.g., surah al-Hujurat [49]: 13) and protection (e.g., surah al-Baqarah [2]: 286), countering misconceptions of syncretism by highlighting authentic integration. Community perceptions highlight its role in preserving cultural identity amid modernization, promoting resilience, and fostering ethical living. Ultimately, this tradition exemplifies how local practices embody the Qur’an’s vitality, bridging anthropology and religious studies to affirm the harmony between faith and folklore in Indonesian Muslim societies.

Preventing Phubbing through Hadith-Based La Yahjura: An Islamic Strategy for Family Harmony in the Digital Age

Nadia Azkiya — 2025-06-18

The rapid evolution of digital technology has introduced profound challenges to interpersonal dynamics, particularly within family units, where phubbing—snubbing others in favor of smartphone engagement—erodes communication, fosters emotional distance, and undermines relational bonds. This article examines phubbing as a contemporary manifestation of social avoidance, drawing parallels to the Islamic prohibition of lā yahjura (no boycotting or ignoring beyond three days), as outlined in authentic hadiths from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized preserving social ties to foster community harmony, a principle directly applicable to mitigating digital distractions. To operationalize this, we introduce the CARE strategy: Conscious Awareness of technology's relational costs, Active Engagement in face-to-face interactions, Responsible Usage to balance digital and real-world priorities, and Empathy Building to nurture mutual understanding. By integrating these religious imperatives with evidence-based practices, families can restore authentic connections and cultivate resilient harmony in the digital age. This interdisciplinary approach not only contextualizes Islamic ethics for contemporary issues but also offers practical, scalable interventions for global audiences.