Islam and Political Power in Indonesia and Malaysia: The Role of Tarbiyah and Dakwah in the Evolution of Islamism

Islamism in Indonesia and Malaysia has transformed from social movement roots to mainstream politics, facilitated by mobilization and enduring influence. This Element argues that the popularity and appeal of Islamism cannot be understood without appreciating its roots in civil societal mobilization, which have shaped and transformed the political landscape.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Islamism in Indonesia and Malaysia has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from its roots as a social movement to becoming a mainstream political force. This transformation has been driven by various factors, including the appeal of Islamic social movements, the mobilization capabilities they have enabled, and the enduring influence they have had on the political landscape. In this Element, we will explore these factors in detail, drawing on social movement theories to understand the process of Islamism's mainstreaming.

Firstly, it is essential to understand the popularity and appeal of Islamism in Indonesia and Malaysia without disregarding the role that social movements have played in facilitating its growth. Social movements have provided a platform for individuals and groups to express their religious and political beliefs, mobilize support, and challenge existing power structures. The emergence of Islamist ideas in social movement settings has allowed for the dissemination of these ideas and the building of a dedicated following.

Secondly, the institutional and organizational structures through which Islamist ideas have been advanced have played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Islamism's mainstreaming. Islamic social movements have developed a network of organizations, institutions, and networks that have facilitated the spread of their ideas and the recruitment of new members. These organizations have often been able to tap into existing social and political networks, which has helped them gain legitimacy and influence.

Thirdly, the changing political landscape in Indonesia and Malaysia has facilitated the mainstreaming of Islamism. The decline of authoritarianism, the rise of civil society and social movements, and the increasing demand for political representation have all contributed to the growth of Islamist parties and movements. The political space has become more open, allowing for the expression of diverse political views and the participation of marginalized groups in the political process.

To understand the process of Islamism's mainstreaming in Indonesia and Malaysia, it is necessary to examine how Islamist ideas took root. These ideas emerged in social movement settings, where individuals and groups expressed their religious and political beliefs and sought to challenge existing power structures. The emergence of Islamist ideas was facilitated by the presence of a receptive audience, the availability of alternative sources of information, and the willingness of individuals to engage in political activism.

Islamist ideas have been advanced through a variety of institutional and organizational structures. These structures have included religious organizations, political parties, and social movements. Religious organizations have played a significant role in spreading Islamist ideas, providing a platform for individuals to express their religious beliefs and connect with like-minded individuals. Political parties have also been instrumental in advancing Islamist ideas, providing a platform for individuals to participate in electoral politics and gain political power. Social movements have also played a crucial role in advancing Islamist ideas, providing a platform for individuals to mobilize support and challenge existing power structures.

The changing political landscape in Indonesia and Malaysia has facilitated the mainstreaming of Islamism. The decline of authoritarianism, the rise. The rise of civil and social movements, and the increasing demand for political representation have all contributed to the growth of Islamist parties and movements. The political space has become more open, allowing for the expression of diverse political views and the participation of marginalized groups in the political process.

In conclusion, Islamism in Indonesia and Malaysia has undergone a fascinating transformation from social movement roots. The popularity and appeal of Islamism in these two countries cannot be understood without appreciating how social movements have enabled and facilitated mobilization. These movements have shaped and transformed the political landscape, and their enduring influence is evident in how Islamic social movements have shaped and transformed the political landscape. By unpacking how Islamist ideas took root. The kinds of institutional and organizational structures through which these ideas were advanced, and the changing political landscape that facilitated these processes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the process of Islamism's mainstreaming and its implications for the future of these two countries.

ISBN-13: 9781108705585