<![CDATA[This study examines Ali Mustafa Yaqub’s interpretation of hadith concerning the Prophet’s long hair in response to the phenomenon among certain Muslim communities in Indonesia who grow their hair long on the grounds of claiming the Prophet’s sunnah. This practice is largely rooted in a textual-literal approach to hadith interpretation. The central problem addressed in this study is how Ali Mustafa Yaqub rationalizes these hadith in order to respond critically to such socio-religious practices. Methodologically, this research employs a qualitative approach based on library research, utilizing both historical and sociological perspectives. The primary source analyzed is Ali Mustafa Yaqub’s work, Cara Benar Memahami Hadis (The Proper Method of Understanding Hadith). To analyze the data, this study employs Fazlur Rahman’s Double Movement theory, which emphasizes a twofold interpretive process: returning to the historical context in which a text emerged and subsequently reformulating its meaning within contemporary social realities. The findings reveal that Ali Mustafa Yaqub selectively engages with hadith that classical compilers classify as descriptions of the Prophet’s physical characteristics rather than as sources of legal injunctions or religious obligations. He further draws upon scholarly opinions asserting that growing long hair does not constitute part of the Prophet’s normative sunnah, while giving less attention to alternative perspectives that regard it as recommended. By applying a contextual method informed by historical and sociological analysis, Ali Mustafa situates these hadith within the cultural milieu of Arab society during the Prophet’s time. Consequently, he argues that the Prophet’s long hair should be understood as a cultural expression and an adaptive personal practice, rather than as a universally binding element of Islamic teaching.]]>
