ISLAMICA: Jurnal Studi Keislaman
Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025): September

Qur’anic Manuscripts, Mythmaking, and the Cultural Economy in Madura

Rohmah, Ifa Faizah (Unknown)
Cece, Cece (Unknown)
Nurkhalis, Nurkhalis (Unknown)
Gussevi, Sofia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study explores how sacred Qur’anic manuscripts in Madura, Indonesia, are embedded in local mythological narratives and transformed into cultural and economic resources. Although these manuscripts are preserved as religious artifacts, they also function as “living texts” that circulate meaning and power within spiritual, cul­tural, and touristic contexts. The research aims to examine how local myths surrounding these manuscripts mediate between faith, author­ity, and contemporary cultural tourism. Using a qualitative approach that includes participant observation and semi-structured interviews with manuscript custodians, religious leaders, and visitors, the study analyzes how stories of miraculous origins—such as manuscripts writ­ten in one night or underwater—shape public perception and enhance symbolic value. The findings reveal that these narratives serve not only as expressions of belief but also as strategies of cultural preser­vation and commodification, turning sacred texts into heritage objects that attract visitors and generate community pride. The study contrib­utes to a broader understanding of how religious heritage in Muslim societies is continually reinterpreted through narrative, economy, and local identity.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

islamica

Publisher

Subject

Religion Education

Description

ISLAMICA: Journal of Islamic Studies is a biannually published journal in March and September. It covers various issues on the Islamic studies within such number of fields as Islamic education, Islamic thought, Islamic law, political Islam, and Islamic economics from social and cultural ...