Journal Article
Published
The Impact of Postmodernism on the Thought of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (IMIs)
Abstract
Postmodernism is a worldview that borrowed its nomenclature from an era after modernism into
progressive thought that turned into a reputed idea denouncing the absolute truth, affirming
relativism, pluralism, and hermeneutics. The current study attempted to disclose their impact on the
thought of Indonesian Muslim intellectuals (IMI). However, the depiction of the idea of
postmodernism and its embedded concepts would precede it. The current study was based on a
qualitative research design and the data was utilized from the prevailing discourses in mass media,
journal articles, books, MA thesis, and PhD dissertation. To analyze the data, descriptive and critical
analysis methods were adopted. The research determined the impact of postmodernism on the
thought of IMI which can be identified in three major issues namely, in the Qur’ānic studies, in
gender equality, and in religious pluralism. In a number of articles, books, and theses the IMIs have
applied the postmodern hermeneutic approach to Qur’ānic studies uncritically. Consequently, it can
shift or override the science of interpretation in Islam (tafsīr). In gender equality, the influence is
even clearer, since the IMIs applied this postmodern doctrine and search justification from the Qur’ān
by using hermeneutical approach which brought about discrepancies in legal decisions. The impact
of postmodern relativism on religious pluralism is apparent. In this part, the IMI discourses revolve
around the validity of all religions, implying the denouncement of absolute truth or the exclusivity
of religion, including Islam. In fact, each of the three major issues could be scrutinized further.
Publication Details
JournalJournal of Islamic Thought and Civilization
Volume13 (2)
Pagespp. 30-47
ISSN2075-0943
Keywordshermeneutic, Islamic studies, pluralism, postmodernism, religion, relativism
Item ID3343
Deposited05 Oct 2024 02:52