ARTICLES

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.

14 Sep 2022

Politicised Islam Frays the Fabric of Keluarga Malaysia

Mohd Faizal Musa

Ismail Sabri’s vision for Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) tries to paint the picture of an administration that is more inclusive than its predecessors, or that it is departing from Islam-centric policies. However, upon closer inspection his rhetoric rings hollow.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

28 Jun 2022

The Shi’as and Freedom of Religion under Joko Widodo’s Presidency

A'an Suryana

This Long Read argues that under the current Joko Widodo presidency, the Shi’as have suffered less harassment and intimidation from the Sunni majority than under previous governments.

Indonesia Islam Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

15 Jun 2022

Khilafatul Muslimin: Not a Serious Threat to Indonesia Yet

A'an Suryana

Khilafatul Muslimin, an Islamist organisation in Indonesia, has tried but failed to influence public opinion. But the government should keep it on a tight leash.

Indonesia Islamist Groups Religion Religious Intolerance

13 Jun 2022

Thai Monks who Drink and Their Lay Supporters

Thomas Borchert

Recent media reporting about a Thai monk caught drunk and indecently exposed follows a long line of attention-grabbing headlines about monastic misbehaviour. Even so, Thai attitudes about such rule-breaking are more nuanced than these reports would suggest.

Religion Thailand

20 May 2022

Abdul Somad Denied Entry into Singapore: Islamophobic? Far from It

Norshahril Saat

Indonesia religious teacher Abdul Somad was denied entry to Singapore. His followers have decried Islamophobia as being behind the decision. This cannot be farther from the truth.

Islam Religion Religious Intolerance Singapore

4 May 2022

The New FPI: Don’t Buy the Same Horse Twice

Ahalla Tsauro|Firmanda Taufiq

The neo-FPI, the latest reincarnation of the Islamic Defenders Front, has sought to make a clean break from its controversial predecessor. Indonesians should take it with a dollop of salt.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Political Islam Religion Religious Intolerance

25 Apr 2022

Nahdlatul Ulama’s Traditionalist Campaign Shaping Mainstream Indonesian Islamic Discourse

Wasisto Raharjo Jati

Since 2014, it has appeared as though the traditionalists in Nahdlatul Ulama have won the upper hand in influencing the Islamic discourse in Indonesia, having pushed back against hardline and conservative elements. However, the conservatives remain a critical opposition, and sharp ideological differences will keep tensions simmering.

Indonesia Islam Progressive Islam Religion

21 Apr 2022

Moon Versus Maths: The Ramadhan Debate and Future of Indonesia’s Pluralism

A'an Suryana|Norshahril Saat

This year’s Ramadhan saw less bickering among Indonesian Muslims about the appropriate start date for the blessed month. The ‘agree to disagree’ approach should be employed in other facets of the country’s socio-religious life.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Religion Religious Dialogue Religious Intolerance

18 Apr 2022

An Unexpected Stillness in the Heart of Wartime Myanmar

Mary Callahan

The monks in Pakokku, a major centre of Buddhist learning and training, have not reprised the role played by their predecessors in the historic Saffron Revolution in 2007. Several factors can explain this, the foremost of which revolves around the clergy’s conception of order and hierarchy.

Armed Conflict Myanmar Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics Religion