ARTICLES

29 Dec 2023

2023 Top 10

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.

6 Jul 2023

An ‘Islamic Lifestyle’: When Piety Meets Consumerism?

Sharifah Afra Alatas|Nadirah Norruddin

The growing Muslim middle class’s appetite for consumer goods with halal and religious-inspired branding raises challenging questions about whether conspicuous consumption sits well with expressions of religiosity.

Economy Islam

2 May 2023

Not Yet the End of the World: Tackling Malaysian Muslim Millenarianism in the Age of Social Media

Amirul Adli Rosli|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek

Although millenarian movements are not new in Malaysia, their recent public presence is marked by savvy and creative social media strategies. Their content is easily accessible and well disseminated within and beyond national borders. This Long Read argues deeper sociological studies to better understand the various social conditions behind their popularity.

Islam Malaysia Political Islam

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.

Indonesia Islam Malaysia Singapore

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