Development of Islamic Society Based on Majelis Ta’lim: A Study of the Shifting Role of the Majelis Ta’lim in West Java

Abstract

As a religious institution that has focused on the propagation of Islam (tabligh), the Majelis Ta’lim, particularly the branches in West Java, faces no small challenge. First, the Majelis Ta’lim is charged with implementing breakthroughs to preserve organizational existence as well as undertaking self-development to achieve a better state. Second, the Majelis Ta’lim is faced with the challenge of contributing to the quality of various aspects of the life of the Islamic community. This research studies the phenomenon of the shifting role of the Majelis Ta’lim, which is no longer solely a religious institution that propagates Islam but is beginning to actively respond to issues categorized as “worldly” (muamalah). This shift in the role of the Majelis Ta’lim is interesting: Why and in what aspects has this shift (or, more accurately, enrichment) in its role occurred? This study uses an analytic descriptive approach to examine this phenomenon. The research results show that in the context of a developing Islamic society, the Majelis Ta’lim institution, which exists throughout the region of West Java, can become a development actor in the midst of its routine religious study activities. Although its scope to date has been in the religious area (diniyah), its representatives are becoming involved as actors and spokesmen for the development of Islamic society in social and economic fields.