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Contact Name
Saifuddin Zuhri Qudsy
Contact Email
esensia.fusapuin@gmail.com
Phone
+6281804192371
Journal Mail Official
esensia.fusapuin@gmail.com
Editorial Address
Faculty of Ushuluddin dan Islamic Thought, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. 698W+C49, Jalan Laksda Adi Sucipto, Papringan, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55281.
Location
Kab. sleman,
Daerah istimewa yogyakarta
INDONESIA
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin
ISSN : 14113775     EISSN : 25484729     DOI : https://doi.org/10.14421/esensia
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin is a multidisciplinary journal that publishes articles of the highest quality and significance in all areas of Islamic theology (uṣūl al-dīn). The journal covers research on the immense significance of Islam in the context of religious life to which it has delivered unique perspectives, approaches, and ranges of contributions that are of abiding interest. ESENSIA encourages the exchange of ideas between experts, scholars, researchers, practitioners, clerics, and students who are active in all areas of Islamic theology and the multidisciplinary field. Research areas covered in the journal: 1. Comparative religions and socio-religious dynamics 2. Digital culture among Muslim cyber-communities 3. Islamic philosophy and mysticism 4. Islamic-theological literature and literary criticism 5. Islamism, communal discernment, and indigenous spiritual practices 6. Muslim minorities and religious citizenship ESENSIA offers authors and readers high visibility, broader readership, clear copyediting, rigorous peer-review, and independence from competing interests. In addition to research articles, ESENSIA also covers research in the form of fieldwork investigations or ongoing reports. In this way, the journal aims to be the voice of the worldwide Islamic-theological community.
Articles 240 Documents
Initiatives for Religious Moderation in West Sumatra: Preserving the Harmony of Tradition and Islam D, Rusyaida; Fadlli Marh, Noor; Taufiq, M; Fadhli, M; Sabri
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 25 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v25i2.5837

Abstract

Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah (ABS-SBK) remains deeply embedded in the idealized worldview of Minangkabau society in West Sumatra, serving as a foundational philosophy that harmonizes tradition and Islam. However, contemporary religious dynamics demand adaptation, particularly concerning religious moderation, as West Sumatra is often perceived as deficient in this aspect due to its strong religious identity. This study explores the strengthening of religious moderation through strategic initiatives based on ABS-SBK in three regencies—Tanah Datar, Agam, and Lima Puluh Kota—culturally known as Luhak Nan Tigo, the historical heartland of the Minangkabau ethnic group. Qualitative interviews reveal that each luhak responds to the challenges of modernity through distinct approaches: Tanah Datar relies on traditional authorities and historical sites, Agam reinforces its identity as a Madani (civilized) district, while Lima Puluh Kota emphasizes managing social diversity. This study argues that the Minangkabau people ought to ideally achieve a higher religious harmony index than their current standing. It seeks to position these efforts within the ABS-SBK framework as local wisdom, the identity of Islam as a minority, and its relation to maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah.
Revisiting the Legacy: The Ongoing Discourse on Ḥadīth of Ghadīr Khumm in Shiʻa Studies Bahary, Ansor
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 25 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v25i2.5864

Abstract

The study of the hadith of Ghadīr Khumm has long been at the center of the Sunni-Shiʻa polemic. While previous research primarily focused on analyzing the sanad (chain of transmission) and matan (text), contemporary Shiʻa scholarship has increasingly employed it as a tool to continuously reinforce the doctrine of imāmah and counter Sunni epistemic dominance. This study examines how the hadith of Ghadīr Khumm is utilized in Shiʻa academic discourse by exploring the extent to which the polemic surrounding this hadith has evolved beyond mere authentication and how it functions in response to Sunni historiography. The findings indicate that, although many Sunni sources acknowledge the authenticity of the hadith of Ghadīr Khumm, stark differences in interpretation have led Shiʻa scholars to continue engaging with this hadith academically. This ongoing engagement is driven by the perception that the dissemination of Sunni perspectives remains a dominant force that must be challenged. Recent trends reveal that academic studies are increasingly directed toward integrating hadith interpretation into civilizational narratives as a response to marginalization. However, despite appearing innovative, the underlying argumentative patterns largely follow established precedents. This study opens avenues for further research into how hadith texts hold strong foundational value, ensuring their continued role as primary references in asserting theological legitimacy and shaping the identity of religious sectarian communities within Islam. Keywords: Hadith of Ghadīr Khumm, Sunni-Shiʻa polemic, discourse defense
Female Ulamā and Religious Moderation in Indonesia: A Study on the Agency and Authority of KUPI and JP3M Nadia, Zunly; Faizah, Nur
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 25 No. 2 (2024)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v26i1.5907

Abstract

The term ulamā is not exclusively associated with men but also includes women. However, despite the recognition of female ulamā, male ulamā continue to dominate public perception in Indonesian Muslim society, particularly in the realm of fatwās. As a result, the significant contributions of female ulamā remain largely undocumented in the historical development of Islam in Indonesia. Given the extensive yet often overlooked role of female ulamā, the establishment of the Indonesian Congress of Female Ulamā (Kongres Ulama Perempuan Indonesia, KUPI) and the Association of Female Islamic Boarding School Leaders and Preachers (Jam’iyah Perempuan Pengasuh Pesantren dan Muballighah, JP3M) marks a significant development. These two institutions serve as platforms for female ulamā to convene and assert their influence through various scholarly and social activities. This study uses a qualitative research approach, with data presented in a descriptive narrative format. A qualitative approach is chosen to enable an in-depth exploration of the role of KUPI and JP3M female ulamā in promoting religious moderation in Indonesia. This approach enables a contextual analysis of both the subjects and objects of study, preventing the risk of overgeneralization of the observed phenomena.
Digital Narratives of Religious Contestation: Social Media Responses to Buddhist Monks’ Prayer in a Mosque Firdian, Farhan; Anam, Haikal Fadhil; Baroroh, Hilma Erfiani
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 26 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v26i1.5656

Abstract

This study investigates the event of a group of Buddhist monks praying during the Vesak holiday in 2024 at the Baiturrahman Mosque in Bengkal, Temanggung, and the subsequent public responses on social media. In Indonesia, where Islam is the predominant religion, there are sometimes interfaith  encounters that transcend conventional borders. The monks’ prayer, which was recorded and extensively shared on social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, provoked a range of responses, from appreciation for religious tolerance to concerns about the sanctity of sacred space. Using mediatization and framing theories, the study explores how the incident was portrayed and how it shaped public perception. A mixed-method approach, combining sentiment and thematic analyses of social media comments, identifies themes of societal harmony, religious identity, and tolerance. Positive sentiments celebrating interfaith tolerance predominated, though some saw it as overstepping religious boundaries. This case highlights social media’s role in framing religious discourse and influencing opinions, emphasizing its impact on interfaith relations and societal tolerance in Indonesia. The study sheds light on how digital media shapes views on interreligious engagement and coexistence.
Framing Religious Pluralism as Deviation: A Digital Hadith-Based Discourse of Salafism on Instagram Billah, Rodina; Zamzami, Mukhammad; Hegazy, Wael; Lutfi, Muhammad
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 26 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v26i1.6304

Abstract

Digital transformation has changed the landscape of Islamic da'wah in Indonesia, including in the production and dissemination of exclusive religious discourse by Salafi groups. This study analyzes the Instagram account @ittiba_salaf, which consistently frames religious pluralism as a deviation from Islamic creed, by referring to verses of the Qur’an and hadith. This study uses Robert M. Entman's framing analysis approach, which includes four main elements—problem definition, cause diagnosis, moral evaluation, and solution recommendation—combined with  Maʿānī al-Ḥadīth analysis to reveal the ideological instruments underlying the use of hadith. The findings show that this account constructs pluralism as a theological and ideological threat, associated with Western liberalism and categorized as a form of kufr. This narrative represents theological reductionism that ignores the complexity of Indonesia’s pluralistic society. This study emphasizes that digital da'wah not only conveys religious messages, but also becomes an arena for contestation over the meaning and authority of Islam, requiring a moderate hermeneutical approach to bridge theological commitments with the reality of societal diversity.
From Concept to Practice: The Reality of Religious Moderation in State Islamic Universities in Aceh Razak, Abd; A. Rasyid, Saifuddin; Syah Putra, Rahmad; Khatami, M.; Muntazhar, Asyraf
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 26 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v26i1.6357

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of Religious Moderation (Moderasi Beragama/MB) in State Islamic Higher Education Institutions (PTKIN) in Aceh, Indonesia, within the framework of national policy and local religious dynamics. Using empirical data and institutional analysis, the research identifies key structural and cultural factors affecting the success of this agenda. While the concept of moderation is compatible with Acehnese Islamic traditions, institutionalization remains limited due to its exclusion from strategic planning, inadequate funding, and varied reception among academic communities. UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh stands out for its more structured and sustained approach, supported by strong leadership and resource commitment. In contrast, other PTKINs show fragmented, ad hoc efforts shaped by institutional and financial constraints. The study finds that localized strategies—rooted in contextual theology, cultural practices, and credible religious authority—are more effective in embedding moderation values within academic settings. These findings underscore that successful implementation of religious moderation in higher education depends on integrating policy with institutional will and cultural engagement, allowing national agendas to resonate meaningfully within diverse local contexts.
Religion in the Metaverse Scheme: Practices of Worship in the New Media Age Fernando, Henky; Larasati, Yuniar Galuh; Barkah, Qodariah; Andriyani; Morin, Leanne
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 26 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v26i1.6445

Abstract

The simulation of religious practices within the metaverse represents a new phenomenon in the discourse of religion and technological adaptation in the era of new media. Through the use of virtual reality technology, spiritual experiences can be presented in immersive forms within digital spaces. However, this phenomenon remains underexplored in existing academic studies. This research aims to address that gap by analyzing the discourse surrounding the simulation of religious practices in the metaverse through a contextual interpretation of Muslim perspectives. The study employs a qualitative descriptive method with a case study approach. The findings indicate that the simulation of worship in the metaverse is generally accepted by Muslims as a form of technological adaptation, functioning as a tool for education and the dissemination of religious knowledge, as long as it does not compromise the theological meaning or orientation of religious practices. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to building a reflective framework for understanding the interplay between religion and technological adaptation in the new media age.
The Controversy of Eid al-Adha Sacrificial Slaughter Amid the FMD Outbreak in Indonesia: A Sociology of Religion Perspective Mubaraq, Zulfi; Abdullah, Irwan; Fatoni, Abdul Wahab; Sutawi; Zalizar, Lily; Kusumastuti, Frida
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 26 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v26i1.6482

Abstract

The celebration of Eid al-Adha, traditionally a festive and communal expression of Islamic devotion, became a source of public controversy in Indonesia during the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak affecting livestock. At the core of this controversy lies an ethical and theological dilemma: whether sacrificial slaughter should proceed when animal health is compromised. This study explores three main aspects: first, the forms in which the controversy manifested; second, the factors that contributed to public and institutional disagreement; and third, the broader implications for Muslim social and spiritual life. Data were collected from selected online news articles and analyzed using Pan and Kosicki’s framing analysis model, including syntactic, script, thematic, and rhetorical structures. The findings indicate three major forms of controversy: affirmation of slaughter validity, uncertainty due to health risks, and concerns about ritual permissibility. Contributing factors include widespread media coverage, government restrictions, and religious fatwas. The implications range from economic losses in the livestock trade and reduced enthusiasm for sacrifice to social tensions within communities. This study concludes that the FMD outbreak disrupted not only ritual practice but also the socioreligious harmony surrounding Eid al-Adha, revealing tensions between religious commitment, health concerns, and public discourse.
Philosophical Posthumanism: An Ontological Assessment by Contemporary Muslim Scholars Long, Ahmad Sunawari; Jubba, Hasse; Ismail, Mohd Hatib; Ab Rahman, Zaizul
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 26 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v26i1.6539

Abstract

This article examines the ontological foundations of philosophical posthumanism and critically examines its central claims through the lens of contemporary Muslim thought. Rooted in postmodern critiques of Enlightenment humanism, posthumanism challenges conventional ideas of human identity, agency, and moral status by emphasizing hybridity, technological mediation, and the interconnectedness of all forms of life—including animals, machines, and ecosystems. Through conceptual analysis and comparative hermeneutics, the study contrasts these claims with key Islamic metaphysical concepts such as fitrah (innate nature), ruh (soul), and khalifah (vicegerency). Prominent Muslim thinkers, including Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Taha Abdurrahman, Osman Bakar, and Fazlur Rahman, argue that posthumanist ontology undermines the sacred status of the human being, potentially leading to spiritual alienation by denying transcendence and moral responsibility. While acknowledging the ethical and ecological contributions of posthumanism, the paper contends that its core assumptions remain incompatible with the Islamic worldview, which affirms human dignity, metaphysical purpose, and divinely ordained responsibility within the cosmos.
Attitudes Toward Digital Content on Religious Tolerance: A Comparative Study of Students from Religious and Non-Religious Campuses Mualim; Naufal, Aulia
ESENSIA: Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Ushuluddin Vol. 26 No. 1 (2025)
Publisher : UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.14421/esensia.v26i1.6563

Abstract

In the digital era, religious expression among adolescents is increasingly shaped by content shared on digital platforms. Social media has become a primary source of religious reference for college students, influencing their attitudes toward religious moderation and tolerance. This study quantitatively examines the relationship between digital content on religious tolerance and students’ attitudes, particularly in different academic settings. Drawing on mediatization theory and digital religion theory, this research offers a novel contribution by empirically exploring a relationship that has received limited attention in prior studies. A total of 460 college students from Kuningan, Indonesia, participated in the study, evenly divided between religious and non-religious campuses. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics, reliability and validity tests, and multiple regression analysis were conducted using SPSS. The results show that students from religious campuses exhibit higher levels of religious moderation and tolerance compared to those from non-religious campuses. These findings suggest that religious academic environments may play a more effective role in fostering these values. The study underscores the importance of integrating religious tolerance into digital media engagement and incorporating religious values into non-religious campus settings to help mitigate the spread of extremism and intolerance online.