The Network Of Ulama And Its Role In The Development Of Islam In North Sumatera

Islam in North Sumatra has not become a serious concern in the scholarship of Islam in Indonesia. Two assumptions are underlying the causes of this fact. First, Islam in North Sumatra is perceived as a continuation of Aceh Islam. Secondly, North Sumatra is often identified as Christian territory. This study aims to examine the communication between ulama in developing Islam in North Sumatra. It will look at the role of educational institutions as well as the influence of ulama in calling for social changes. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative, which aims to understand social problems, events, the role of interaction, and community groups. The qualitative approach is used by focusing on the social conditions surrounding the existence of the ulama which became the basis in compiling the historical events of the ulama network in the development of Islam in North Sumatra in the 20th century. This article argues that; first, the scientific network among the ulama in North Sumatra contributes to the emergence of the Islamic educational system. Secondly, the role of Musthafawiyah boarding school and Maktab Islamiyah Tapanuli is very important in developing an Islamic understanding of the communities. Third, the ulama continue to maintain Islamic teaching as a source of moral guidance to all problems of social change. Selama ini kajian tentang Islam di Sumatera Utara terkesan tidak menjadi fokus utama para peneliti dan intelektual Indonesia. Setidaknya ada dua alasan yang melatari hal tersebut. Pertama, Islam Sumatera Utara dianggap sebagai semata kontinuitas dari Islam Aceh dan kedua, Sumatera Utara diasumsikan sebagai wilayah Kristen. Studi ini bermaksud menelaah relasi para ulama dalam mengembangkan Islam di Sumatera Utara, melihat bagaimana peran lembaga pendidikan Islam, dan bagaimana pengaruh ulama dalam perubahan sosial. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitati deskriptif untuk memahami problem sosial, pengaruh interaksi, dan eksistensi komunitas. Pendekatan ini dilakukan untuk menjelaskan eksistensi para ulama yang menjadi salah satu pijakan utama dalam melihat perkembangan Islam di Sumatera Utara, terutama pada abad XX. Studi ini berargumen bahwa: (1) relasi antar ulama memiliki pengaruh besar terhadap kemunculan dan perkembangan lembaga pendidikan Islam di Sumatera Utara, (2) peran Musthafawiyah dan Maktab Islamiyah Tapanuli sangat penting dalam membangun kesadaran Islam dan komunitas Muslim di Sumut, dan (3) ulama menjadikan moral Islam sebagai pijakan etik dalam mewarnai perubahan sosia