ISLAMIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT BY TRADITIONAL MUSLIM SCHOLARS DURING THE 20TH CENTURY: THE CASE OF THE BUGISMAKASSAR COMMUNITY OF SOUTH SULAWESI IN INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims at revealing the role of traditional Muslim scholars in the development of South Sulawesi
in Indonesia. To answer the research questions concerning Islamization and the role of Muslim scholars,
the concept of a mediator is developed. Mediators are individuals or groups of individuals that hold the
position of mediating or connecting the community members with the larger system of society. In this
study, the position of a mediator refers to the traditional or local Muslim scholars. To complete the
implementation of the concept, the study also uses the concept of social agency, i.e.: individual or
autonomous groups that exist in or belong to the society with power, authority, and influence to serve as
actors that manage and control change and transformation in the society. The data used in this study is
secondary data. The findings show that the Islamization process that occurred in the Bugis-Makassar
community can be categorised into six stages: 1. The arrival of Sayid al-Husaini as the moment of the
initial to the introduction of Islam; 2. Introduction of Islam through Muslim merchants and the wanderers
of the Bugis from Makassar; 3. Islamization of the kingdom of Gowa and other local kingdoms; 4. The
development of socio-cultural tradition, i.e.: integration of sarak into pangadereng; 5. The development
of socio-political tradition, i.e.: integration of parewa sarak within the power structure; and 6. The
development of scientific tradition, i.e.: appatareka’ and mangngaji kitta. This leads to an interpretation
and a conclusion that Islam, as a perfect religion, offers guidance to rules required in all aspects of human
life.