THE SCHOOL OF AHL AL-SUNNAH WA AL-JAMA`AH AND THE ATTACHMENT OF INDONESIAN MUSLIMS TO ITS DOCTRINES
Abstract
The doctrine of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama`ah has been exploited by two major Muslim organizations in Indonesia, NU and Muhammadiyah, as the theological basis in determining their religious identity and rituals. Although these organizations claim that all Muslims should adhere to the doctrines of Ahl al-Sunnah, they have never clearly defined that term. This paper discusses in detail the meaning of the term followed by an examination of the ways in which those two Muslim organizations attach themselves to this doctrine. This paper argues that, although the NU links itself to this doctrine, it is still necessary to critically examine to what extent its members apply the doctrines of Ahl al-Sunnah in their daily life. Muhammadiyah, on the other hand, is not obsessed with the claim of being faithful to the doctrines of Ahl al-Sunnah, although its constitution mentions that they advocate theological creeds which are evidently in line with the precepts of Ahl al-Sunnah.
Moraref