Social fiqh, alternative to international Islamic law

Pati, NU Onlline
The religious textual-based ideas of the late KH MA Sahal Mahfudh in the context of Islamic law should further be explored. Social fiqh, the term used by Kiai Sahal, is a worthy alternative to the International Islamic law. Muslim scholars of the world should refer the thoughts of the third Rais Aam (Supreme Leader) of Nahdlatul Ulama.<>

The conclusion was raised in a book launch held by Social Fiqh Institute (FISI) Mathali'ul Falah Islamic College (STAIMAFA) to commemorate the first year (haul) of the Kiai Shal's death on Thursday (15/01).

In the book review "Social Fiqh Methodology: from Qouli (textually) to Manhaji (methodologically)" held at STAIMAFA Auditorium, present at the occasion were KH Ishomuddin, M.Ag and Syafiq Hashim, Ph.D. The book is the result of FISI STAIMAFA research. The publication of this book complements the previous one titled "The Epistemology of Kiai Sahal Social Fiqh" edited by Munawir Aziz.

The chairman of STAIMAFA who is also the leader of Pesantren Maslakul Huda KH Abdul Ghoffar Rozien (Gus Rozien) stated that the Social Fiqh Institute was designed to explore, develop, and apply the ideas both initiated and reflected by Kiai Sahal. Therefore, studies of social jurisprudence should be continued with possible publication and intensive discussions, he said.

"It does not mean that the idea is perfect. Instead, by exploring and discussing it, there will be a structured methodology. We, STAIMAFA, do support this idea. We wish to continue with possible publication and dissemination of more intelligent and strategic ideas," Gus Rozien said.

Meanwhile, KH Ishomuddin, popularly known as Kiai Ishom, asserted that Kiai Sahal had smart ideas, even by using principles of jurisprudence (ushul fiqh) for contextual themes, adding that Kiai Sahal was very brilliant for being capable of distingushing which is ushul (principles / primary sources of legislation) and which is furu' (branches / derivative legal ruling).

"Kiai Sahal has a brilliant understanding about Islamic law and social empowerment. Once, Kiai Sahal explained the relationship between NU and politics. According to him, there is relationship between NU and political parties. However, NU followers (Nahdliyin) as citizens have the right to be chosen and choose," the chairman of lawmaking body (Rais Syuriyah) of NU said.

In line with Kiai Ishom, Syafiq Hasyim stated that Kiai Sahal was also brilliant in using proposition and be able to clearly see the context.

"Kiai Sahal is a multi-talented thinker. I followed his thinking, since our meeting in P3M Jakarta with other Indonesian social activists. Kiai Sahal, along with Gus Dur, Dawam Rahardjo and some other thinkers initiated social empowerment programs for Islamic boarding schools," Shafiq said.

The man graduating from Freie University, Berlin, Germany, said that Kiai Sahal was, again adan again, very brilliant because of his ideas and should be such an alternative to the international Islamic law.

"The themes of social fiqh should be published in various journals and international forums. The Kiai Sahal's ideas should be an alternative thought of Muslim scholars around the world," he said.

The Social Fiqh Institute plans to give awards and research scholarships for researchers seriously exploring the thoughts and ideas of Kiai Sahal Mahfudh.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq