Al-Robithoh Al-Islamiyah Al-Muthi‘ah: Its Endeavors for Salafi in 2005-2010

Abstract

-The prominent objective of this study is to answer the question of how Pesantren Al-Robithoh alIslamiyah al-Muthi‘ah transformed its religious orientation, from traditionalist to Salafi, led by its young generation, the alumnae of Lembaga Ilmu Pengethuan dan Arab (LPIA) or Islamic and Arabic College of Indonesia. This research aims to elicit the evolutionary, rather than revolutionary approaches this Islamic boarding school has used for its transformation. This research is about a social history which adopted a historical method with sociological neo-functionalism approach, which is open and integrated. As a result, the religious identity transformation has involved not only the graduate of LIPIA, but also its santri (students) and syllabus. Subsequently, the transformation has attracted attention of Amsterdam Branch of Young Muslim Association in Europe (YMAE) who have established the direct connection with the institution. In addition, the transformation has been strengthened with the establishment of Madrasah Diniyyah (Primary Islamic School). Lastly, the gradual transformation of religious orientation in this Islamic boarding school paid more attention to directing its santris’ way of thinking rather than that of the institution’s owners and mangements. Keywords—Boarding school, graduates, LIPIA, Salafi, transformation, religious identity,