Pappaseng: International Journal of Islamic Literacy and Society

Sufism and Maqamat

2026-01-30T07:30:00+07:00

This paper aims to deeply examine the concept of maqāmāt (spiritual stages) and various forms of Sufism such as ethical (akhlāqī), gnostic (‘irfānī), and philosophical (falsafī) Sufism within the Islamic tradition. Employing a qualitative-descriptive method based on library research, this study explores the historical roots, doctrinal development, and both internal and external factors that influenced the emergence of Sufism. Findings indicate that although there are influences from outside Islam, the essence of Sufism grows from core Islamic teachings—namely the Qur’an, Hadith, and the example of the Prophet Muhammad. The spiritual journey in Sufism is structured through maqāmāt such as repentance (tawbah), piety (wara’), asceticism (zuhd), patience (ṣabr), trust (tawakkul), acceptance (riḍā), love (maḥabbah), and divine knowledge (ma‘rifah). Moreover, the development of Sufism is influenced by the socio-political conditions of the Muslim community, such as responses to profane lifestyles, the rationalistic codification of Islamic law, and the quest for deeper spirituality. This study concludes that Sufism is not merely an individual mystical expression but also a social and spiritual response to the dynamics of the ummah. Sufism plays a significant role in shaping personal and communal piety through ethical and contemplative approaches.

The Concept of Ecotheology in the Qur'an

2026-01-30T07:37:16+07:00

This study reveals that QS. Yūsuf [12]:43-49, which has been understood as a historical narrative, contains ecological concepts that are highly relevant to the current global environmental crisis. In the story of the king's dream, interpreted by the Prophet Yusuf, about seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, there is a lesson about the importance of sustainability strategies in managing natural resources. This study uses a ma'nā-cum-maghzā approach to interpret the historical meaning of the verse with contemporary issues such as sustainability and climate change. The results of the study show that this verse offers practical solutions in facing the ecological crisis, with an emphasis on the importance of balance between the utilisation and preservation of nature. This study enriches the discourse on Islamic ecotheology, which was previously limited to normative understanding, by providing a more in-depth and applicable interpretation. Its practical contribution is to encourage Muslims to adopt ecological principles in their daily lives and public policies that support sustainability. Further research could explore the application of ecological concepts in global policies, particularly those related to climate change mitigation and sustainability.

Expressions of Mental Disorder in the Qur'an

2025-07-13T14:14:40+07:00

This study is based on the reality that mental disorders continue to be misunderstood in society, despite their serious impacts on an individual's psychological and physical health. This study aims to examine QS. Yūsuf [12]:13 and 84 within the conceptual framework of mental disorders, focusing on the emotional story of Prophet Ya’qub that depicts deep sadness and worry, which affected his physical condition. The method used is the Ma’nā-cum-Maghzā hermeneutical approach to explore the meanings of key terms in the verses and their relevance to modern psychological phenomena. The results of the analysis indicate that terms such as ḥuzn, khawf, asafā, and kaẓīm not only contain spiritual meanings but also imply psychosomatic symptoms consistent with the concept of mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This study contributes theoretically to the development of multidisciplinary thematic exegesis and has practical implications for the development of therapy based on Qur’anic values. These findings highlight the need for integration between exegetical approaches, psychology, and Islamic spirituality in addressing the psychological challenges faced by the Muslim community in the modern era.

Political and Diplomatic Networks of Nuruddin Zanki in The Middle East: A Historical Review/ Historiography

2026-02-04T14:21:21+07:00

The study seeks to determine the political and diplomatic network of Nuruddin Zanki in the Middle East through a historical/historiographic review. Adopting a historical approach, the study was divided into several methods, including heuristic, critical, and historiography. The findings of this study conclude that Nuruddin Zanki was a prominent Islamic figure who consistently fought in the Second Crusade, as indicated by his success in reclaiming Islamic territory from the hands of the Christians, including the cities of Artah and Harene and other regions. He was also a leader who succeeded in unifying and strengthening Islamic power in the Middle East, particularly in facing the Second Crusade. He strategically administered political and military networks, including unifying Muslim territory, securing borders, and forging alliances with other Islamic forces. Furthermore, he was renowned for his just, firm, and wise characters which were able to inspire his people to fight as one. His Islamic diplomatic initiatives were successful in uniting Muslims and strengthening their resilience, allowing them to withstand the invasion of the crusaders and pave the way for Salahuddin Ayyubi in supporting Jerusalem. Nuruddin Zanki’s Islamic diplomacy was successful in uniting Muslims and strengthening them so that they were able to battle the attacks of the crusaders and paved the way for Salahudin Ayyubi to assist Jerusalem. His focus was not only on battle but also on investing in infrastructure as well as the economic and military development of his region.

Al-khasyah in the Qur’an: An Integrative Framework of Knowledge, Faith, and Ethical Action for Contemporary Society

2026-02-10T09:44:09+07:00

Contemporary societies face a deep moral and spiritual crisis marked by technological acceleration, ethical fragmentation, and declining public trust, which has stimulated renewed scholarly interest in Qur’anic resources for reconstructing moral life. This article examines the concept of al-khasyah as a foundational yet under-theorized principle of Islamic ethics, aiming to clarify its meaning, epistemic roots, and practical relevance for the modern world. The study adopts a qualitative, interpretive, and text-centered methodology grounded in thematic Qur’anic exegesis, integrating close reading of selected verses with comparative analysis of classical and modern tafsir traditions. Primary sources include key passages that link knowledge, fear of God, and righteous action, while secondary sources draw on authorities such as Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari, Al-Qurthubi, Al-Ghazali, Al-Alusi, and Hamka. Findings show that al-khasyah is a knowledge-based reverence rather than instinctive fear, emerging from contemplative engagement with divine signs in creation and revelation. The Qur’an consistently connects true knowledge with humility before God, positioning al-khasyah as an epistemic, spiritual, and ethical virtue that motivates obedience, accountability, and justice. Fear of the Most Merciful in the unseen cultivates sincerity, self-regulation, and moral resilience, particularly in digital and surveillance-driven contexts. Synthesizing these insights, the study proposes an integrative model of Knowledge, Reverence, Ethical Action, and Spiritual Integrity as the core architecture of Qur’anic moral formation. The article concludes that al-khasyah offers a constructive framework for addressing modern moral deficits by embedding knowledge within transcendental accountability and character-based ethics, with significant implications for education, governance, and social trust and communal ethical renewal.