Islah: Journal of Islamic Literature and History
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Islah: Journal of Islamic Literature and History

Shahbandar and Waliyah: Islamic Female Leadership in Gresik (11th-15th Centuries)

Wirawan, Abdul Karim (Unknown)
Rosyidah, Ulfa (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study aims to analyze two models of female leadership in Islam in Gresik during the formative period (11th -15th centuries) by comparing Siti Fatimah binti Maimun (d. 1082 CE) and Nyai Ageng Pinatih (active 1458-1477 CE). Employing microhistory and feminist historiography methodologies, the research reveals two distinct forms of authority: spiritual genealogical leadership (Waliyah) and structural-maternal leadership (Shahbandar). Siti Fatimah established her authority through Islamic genealogy and religious scholarship, reflected in her monumental tomb complex. Meanwhile, Nyai Ageng Pinatih utilized administrative competence and political networks as the shahbandar (port master) of Gresik port. The findings demonstrate the flexibility of the Nusantara Islamic social system in accommodating female leadership through diverse legitimation mechanisms, challenging the religious-secular authority dichotomy. Moreover, the research also reveals the disparity in collective memory between the two figures, reflecting gender bias in Indonesian Islamic historiography. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding the complexity of female leadership traditions in Indonesian Islam and its relevance to contemporary gender debates.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

islah

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Islah: Journal of Islamic Literature and History is an open-access journal publishing original papers or documenting issues on Islamic literature and history in the Indonesian context. The journal is published biannually in June and December by the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Adab, and Humanities, ...