Millati: Journal of Islamic Studies and Humanities

Polygamy in the Qur’an: A Thematic and Contextual Interpretation Based on Asbab al-Nuzul

Saidah Fiddaroin — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study of Qur’anic verses related to polygamy has long attracted scholarly attention because polygamy is not only mentioned in religious texts but is also practiced in real life. The debate surrounding the interpretation of these verses continues, as both proponents and opponents of polygamy present their own arguments and justifications. These differing views stem from the absence of a definitive text that explicitly prohibits polygamy. The Qur’an does not present polygamy as a command or obligation. Therefore, it is important to explore these verses more deeply through the approach of asbāb al-nuzūl (the circumstances of revelation) to understand the historical context in which they were revealed. This study aims to examine Qur’anic verses on polygamy through their asbāb al-nuzūl to analyze the arguments of both proponents and opponents and to assess their relevance to contemporary life. Using a qualitative method and a literature-based approach, the author provides a descriptive analysis of verses related to polygamy. The study concludes that the Qur’an does not explicitly forbid polygamy; however, the motivations for entering polygamous marriages and their consequences must be carefully considered, just as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did in his own practice.

The Bureaucratization of Zakāt and the Illusion of Justice: Symbolic Politics in Indonesia

Malik Abd. Karim Amirullah, Kamaluddin, La Abdul Zayl, Slamet Haryono — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents a critical interrogation of the transformation of zakāt in Indonesia, examining the shift in its function from a theological ethical imperative to an administrative instrument laden with symbolism. By analyzing the legal framework, public campaigns, BAZNAS reports, and enriched by in-depth interviews, the study reveals that the current practice of zakāt fails to ensure substantive justice. Instead, the process gives rise to a performative narrative that showcases success as a strategy for institutional moral legitimation. Drawing a theoretical lens from Timur Kuran and John Rawls, the research argues that the selection of mustahīk is distorted; recipients are chosen based on their readiness to participate in visual logic, rather than on the depth of their need. Zakāt now operates as a field of representation, determining who is constructed as "empowered" and who is silenced. These findings call for the institutionalization of the 'theology of discomfort', where performance indicators must prioritize inclusion over spectacle, and zakāt institutions must recognize unquantifiable vulnerabilities (such as trauma and social exclusion). The article concludes with a call for the reclaiming of the radical ethic of zakāt, focusing on the mustahīk who are unheard and unaccounted for in the dominant narrative of success.

Women’s Resilience in Ecological Crisis: An Ecofeminist Perspective on Women Affected by the Lapindo Mudflow

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change and ecological disasters have significant impacts on women’s lives, particularly in the context of the Lapindo mudflow. This study aims to uncover the resilience experiences of women affected by the disaster, their strategies in coping with the crisis, and the role of gender in public policy. The research employs a qualitative approach with an ecofeminist perspective to highlight the social, economic, health, environmental, cultural, and spiritual experiences of affected women. Analysis was conducted to examine the resilience strategies implemented, ranging from strengthening social solidarity, engaging in microeconomic activities, maintaining health, managing the environment, to practicing cultural and spiritual traditions. The findings indicate that: (1) women face complex disaster impacts, including loss of homes, forced relocation, social dislocation, difficulties in accessing public services, psychosocial pressures, and disruption of education and traditional practices; (2) women’s resilience strategies encompass social, economic, health, environmental, as well as cultural and spiritual aspects; (3) the study also found gender exclusion in decision-making and village deliberations, resulting in women’s voices often being marginalized; (4) the study recommends full participation of women in recovery processes and disaster policy formulation to ensure greater equity and inclusivity.

Radical Shaming Ahead of the Aceh Regional Election: The Urgency of Religious Moderation in Instilling Ethical Values on Social Media

Ernita Dewi, M. Anzaikhan, Sajida Muhammad Jamil, Ramzi Murzikin — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article aims to analyze the phenomenon of radical shaming that has become prevalent ahead of the Aceh local elections, as well as the urgency of religious moderation in instilling ethical values on social media. Radical shaming refers to the practice of labeling certain individuals or groups as radical as a political tool to discredit them, particularly in Aceh, a region with a history of conflict and complex religious dynamics. This article falls under library research with a qualitative approach. The methodology used is descriptive analysis. The research findings conclude two main points. First, radical shaming has proven to be a tactic that exacerbates political and social polarization in Aceh, not only intensifying political competition but also undermining social cohesion. Second, the urgency of promoting ethical moderation through official institutions is crucial in preventing the spread of slander and disinformation on social media. Through a more structured and authoritative moderation approach, Aceh is expected to foster a more ethical and harmonious public sphere in the context of religion and politics.