Fatwā, Purification and Dynamization: A Study of Tarjīh in Muhammadiyah

Abstract:

I examine here contemporary ift practices in Muhammadiyah, Indonesia ' s leading organisation for modernist Muslims, with special attention to Majelis Tarjih, the body charged with issuing its fatws since 1927. After explaining Muhammadiyah's ideology, and the working method of Majelis Tarjih and the authority of its decisions, I examine and discuss several fatws relating to syncretic practices in Indonesia and one fatw about whether a woman may serve in a position of authority over men. I argue that the fatws issued by Majelis Tarjih demonstrate how Muhammadiyah promotes a more dynamic understanding of religion among its members and within Indonesian society at large, an understanding that often differs from traditionalist views espoused in classical fiqh books.