Habaib, Markets and Traditional Islamic Authority: The Rise of Arab Preachers in Contemporary Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines the rise of young preachers of Arab descent (commonly called 'Hadhrami') and their sermon groups in contemporary Indonesia. They emerged from the reform period of the late 1990s when traditional forms of Islamic authority came under growing challenge from an increasingly diverse array of Muslim groups and ideologies. The preachers (collectively known as habaib) claim descent from the Prophet Muhammad, and they emphasise their privileged lineage and Arabness in their public appearances. Their preaching activities (dakwah) are held in a range of venues across major cities and attract thousands of followers, predominantly youth from lower middle class and poorer urban backgrounds. I argue that the emergence of the habaib can primarily be explained by doctrinal and authority factors but that important secondary factors such as socio-economic advancement and heightened Arab identity are also present.The central argument of this thesis is that the emergence of habaib preachers is closely tied to contestation between traditionalists and their puritanical rivals, the Salafi-Wahhabi, who in recent decades have staunchly criticized traditionalist practices and leaders. Not only have the habaib featured prominently in defending traditionalism, they have also used this contestation as an opportunity to build their authority and religious capital through marketisation and their ties to the Middle East. Most habaib have close family and education links to Hadhramawt in Yemen, and they use this connection to counter challenges to their authority from Salafists who are usually orientated to Islamic scholars in the Gulf States. They promote Hadhramawt as a leading centre of Sunni education and piety. In this way, the habaih preachers are both safeguarding their long-standing religious beliefs as well as elevating their position within the Muslim community. Their emergence also cannot be isolated from broader forces at work within Indonesian Islam This study explores the ways in which habaib promote themselves to the Muslim community. First, habaib use distinctive performance methods that combine traditionalism, sainthood and Arabness. Visual messaging and symbolism, such as the use of Arab dress and music is more important in establishing legitimacy than oratorical competence or depth of religious discussion. Second, habaib promote themselves and their Yemeni teachers as the most authoritative Sunni scholars whose emulation of the Prophet is exemplary. I draw on Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital to analyse the habaib strategies in promoting their special status and skills to Indonesian Muslims. The thesis also explores the use of new media, such as the internet and social media, and marketing strategies by habaib to attract young followers. The use of merchandise utilising popular culture and group identity markers is especially salient in the preachers' outreach to urban audiences. Added to this is the use of public staging and entertainment during preaching activities. Through these means, habaib cast their dakwah as the Prophet's mission and encourage their followers' participation. The young followers see the majelis as a medium for gaining Islamic knowledge and blessings as well as giving opportunities for expressing their religious identity and aspirations Show more