ARTICLES

18 Apr 2023

Same Moon, Different Dates for Hari Raya (Again!)

Norshahril Saat

Some countries in Southeast Asia might end up celebrating Hari Raya on different dates, but this should not detract them from the higher goals of Ramadhan.

11 Apr 2023

Can Piety be Classy? Symbols and Societal Tensions Underlying “Branded” Hijabs

Siti Mazidah Mohamad|Norshahril Saat

Malay/Muslim women in fashionable headscarves are influencing Islamic fashion trends across the globe and the trend can make a statement personally, politically, and piously.

Islam Malaysia

5 Apr 2023

Malls and Mosques: The Sights and Sounds of Indonesia’s Iftar

A'an Suryana|Ahmad Muhajir

During the month-long Ramadhan, Muslims in Indonesia observe the breaking of fasts in mosques, and increasingly, in shopping malls. The differences in observance of the ritual underscore a growing class divide and corresponding social tastes between different groups of Muslims.

Indonesia Islam

19 Dec 2022

Criminalising Sin? Indonesian Society Not As Conservative As Elites Imagine

Norshahril Saat

Those who worry that the recent criminal code revision in Indonesia might portend a conservative Islamic tide may take heart in some survey findings showing a more tolerant, moderate, and multicultural citizenry.

Indonesia Islam

17 Nov 2022

Considering the Optimism of Azyumardi Azra: The Future of Islam in Southeast Asia

Ahmad Najib Burhani

The late renowned Muslim scholar Azyumardi Azra had unlimited optimism about Southeast Asia's position as the future of Islam.

Islam Religion Southeast Asia

7 Nov 2022

MUI’s Strong Survival Instincts for a Shariah-Compliant Indonesia

Syafiq Hasyim

The key to Indonesia’s Council of Ulama’s longevity even in the post-Suharto period lies in its dominance of the halal certification system, which other major Muslim organisations have not managed to dilute.

Halal Certification Indonesia Islam

3 Nov 2022

Persuasion Not Regulation the Key for Social Media Influencers Navigating Religion and Culture

Siti Mazidah Mohamad

There is already a patchwork of laws supported by some communal surveillance and cultural policing when it comes to social media influencers in Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia. It is perhaps possible to socialise influencers, Muslim or otherwise, to tread carefully when navigating sensitive issues, but this must stop short of over-regulation.

Halal Islam Media Southeast Asia

2 Nov 2022

Finding Soulmates through Halal Means: Ta‘aruf Online for Indonesian Muslim Youth

Wahyudi Akmaliah

The popularity of so-called halal matchmaking apps is a positive development provided developers and users alike remain clear-eyed about their claims to serve Islam.

Indonesia Islam

31 Oct 2022

Evolution of the Halal Industry and Lifestyle in Southeast Asia

Mohammad Hashim Kamali

The notable growth of halal products and the overall market is a trend that bears watching for producers of halal consumables, as they adapt to modern demands from Muslims and non-Muslims alike to uphold high standards.

Economy Halal Certification Islam

18 Oct 2022

Religious Dress in Schools Polemic and Indonesia’s Philosophical Vacuum

Max Lane

The popularity of a recent image lamenting the wearing of conservative dress, particularly headscarves, by girls in Indonesia’s state schools have highlighted philosophical tensions in society and politics, with no easy answers.

Education Indonesia Islam