Journal of Accounting Inquiry
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025)

Reconstructing Loss Accounting through Islamic Spirituality and Local Cultural Values: An Islamic Ethnomethodology Study

Thalib, Mohamad Anwar (Unknown)
Bau, Nadia Saputri R. (Unknown)
Surdana, Rizky Rizhaldy (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Jan 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates why Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Gorontalo conceptualize and manage losses not merely as financial deficits but as cultural and spiritual concerns. It addresses the gap in accounting research that rarely examines loss accounting through the lens of local wisdom and Islamic values. Methodology: This research employs a qualitative method using a spiritual paradigm and an Islamic ethnomethodology approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using five interpretive stages: charity, knowledge, faith, revealed information, and excellence. Findings: The study identifies four concrete strategies used by pesantren to avoid or reduce losses: maximizing school fee collection with community involvement, intensively socializing institutional programs, securing external funding sources, and framing the management of losses as a form of worship. These practices reflect the Gorontalo cultural value Eya dila pito-pito’o (“God does not close His eyes”), which strengthens accountability and institutional resilience.  Novelty: The research offers a culturally grounded model of loss accounting that integrates local wisdom and Islamic spirituality. This contributes a new conceptual lens for understanding financial practices in faith-based educational institutions and enriches the accounting literature on pesantren.  

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JAI

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Accounting Inquiry is an open access and peer-reviewed journal published by Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Islam, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta in collaboration with APSAS. Journal of Accounting Inquiry invites researchers, academics, and practitioners to publish their original, conceptual, ...