The Relevance of Pesantren-Derived Epistemological Paradigms in Religious Studies and Their Role in Overcoming Islamophobia in the Post-Truth Era

Abstract

This article explores the paradigms of Islamic study used in pesantren and their relevance to religious studies in the post-truth era. Findings of the authors’ recent qualitative research which combined the outcomes of observations, literature reviews and descriptive-interpretive analyses have led to these conclusions: (1) Pesantren is an educational institution with unique models of religious study which offer multifarious perspectives by seamlessly blending three scientific epistemologies called the bayani, burhani, and irfani. (2) The adoption of these three epistemologies resulted in the concept of moderate Islamic study that enshrines the religion’s spiritual, intellectual and social aspects. (3) Using these paradigms will allow us to study Islam and other world religions inclusively. This fact in turn highlights the importance of adopting the paradigms of Islamic study used by pesantren and the role of these paradigms in curbing the growth of islamophobia especially in this post-truth era.