Beyond Abangan-Santri

Majelis Sabilu Taubah and New Hybrid Identities

Abstract

This article seeks to discuss the emergence of new hybrid identities in the Sabilu Taubah Majelis, Pesantren Mambaul Hikam Blitar, led by Gus Muhamad Iqdam (Gus Iqdam). Gus Iqdam refers to his congregation as “garangan,” new identities that encompass a diverse group of individuals, including former gangsters, gamblers, alcohol consumers, and nightclub performers. Using a phenomenological approach, this article deals with the factors that attract the “garangan” group to participate in the Sabilu Taubah Majelis and how they represent their religious identity. This article argues that the “garangan” group is drawn to Sabilu Taubah’s dakwah due to its welcoming, millennial-oriented, engaging, and non-judgmental approach. Furthermore, the term “garangan” cannot be strictly classified as either abangan or santri, as suggested by Clifford Geertz’s thesis, nor does it fit the concept of “nominal Islam” as proposed by Merle Calvin Ricklefs. Instead, they embody a religious hybrid identity, existing in a liminal space—identifying as santri while simultaneously maintaining aspects of their former professions. In this way, they construct and express their religious identities.

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