Typologies of Sufi ‘Ulama in Tegal of Central Java during the Twentieth Century

Saepudin

doi:10.21580/tos.v14i1.28364

Authors

Saepudin Department of Islamic Education Sciences, Faculty of Tarbiyya and Teacher Training, Institut Agama Islam Bakti Negara Tegal, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21580/tos.v14i1.28364

Keywords:

Sufi scholars; Tegal; social network; typology

Abstract

Abstract: Studies of Sufism in Java often focus on Sufi scholars in coastal areas, although Tegal is less exposed compared to other cities. This study examines the typologies of Sufi scholars in Tegal during the 20th century, including their biographical trajectories and scholarly relationships. Employing a historical qualitative approach supported by elements of social network analysis, the study identifies key figures who shaped the development of Sufism in the region and maps the patterns through which religious knowledge was transmitted across generations. The findings demonstrate that Sufism in Tegal is categorised into practical (ama>li>) Sufism, ethical (akhla>qi>) Sufism, and neo-Sufism. Sufi scholars in Tegal integrated shari'ah-oriented learning with practical Sufism, thereby forming a localized style of Sunni-Neo-Sufism that was able to respond to the social and religious dynamics of the period.

Contribution: This study contributes to the field of Javanese Sufism by expanding its scope to a relatively under-recognized region, namely Tegal, and by mapping the typology and scholarly networks of Sufi scholars in the 20th century. These findings enhance our understanding of local variations in Javanese Sufism by illustrating the emergence of Sunni-Neo-Sufi patterns that adapt to local social and religious dynamics.

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