Majlis Taklim and The Path Of Women's Islamization In Indonesia

Abstract

AbstractWomen's religious gatherings or Islamic study circles in Indonesian public spaces have become remarkably diverse. These informal learning groups, referred to as majlis taklim, have flourished across Indonesia, from large towns to small villages, and have become places for Muslim communities to increase their awareness of Islam and improve their spirituality. Although majlis taklim are non‐gendered organizations, they are formed in many places by women's groups with different social and economic backgrounds. This paper analyzes the adaptability of women‐run majlis taklim in terms of offering and religious discourse to transform society's spiritual and social lives. Apart from nurturing members' self‐spiritual feelings, the models of majlis taklim in formulating discourse and addressing women participants represent Islamization's trajectory in Indonesia, characterized by two types of religious orientations: domesticating discourse and empowerment efforts.