Preserving Islam in the Malay World through Islamic Theology by Ibn Khaldun.

Abstract

Islamic theology that uses the arguments of reason in determining the principles of creed and faith and refuting the doctrines that have doubts should be seen as a discipline that can make a significant contribution in preserving Islam in the Malay world, especially at a time when the Muslim community currently inhabiting the region had faced with various challenges of thought and doctrines that challenged their beliefs based on the Sunni school of thought. Therefore, the studies of Islamic theology should be highlighted so that it can be clearly understood through relevant approaches in the Islamic context in the current Malay community. This paper attempts to analyse the concept of studies of Islamic theology according to Ibn Khaldun, based on the work of his magnum opus, the Prolegomena and examine the relevance of his thinking about Islamic theology now in order to preserve Islam in the Malay world. This is a qualitative research studies. This research uses data collection methods by documentation and data analysis methods by content analysis by using deductive and inductive approaches. Among the issues that will be analyzed is the importance of using the aqliyya approach in achieving makrifatullah which is the basis of perfection of every Muslim in terms of thinking and to which extent will this approach could be the basis to protect them from being influenced by doctrines that deviate from Sunni school of thought. This paper concludes that an approach that combines the argument of reason with revelation is able to produce makrifatullah based on the convincing argument and this approach is able to refute the doctrines that deviate from the Sunni based on the school of Asharites. In addition, the study of Islamic theology should also emphasize the practical aspect, which is the aspect of appreciation that focuses on the aspect of compliance with the Shari'a in human life. When this is achieved, then Islam can definitely be preserved in the Malay world over the centuries. Several suggestions will also be put forward to strengthen the study of Islamic theology in accordance with the current challenges faced by Muslims today.