Reconstructing the Intellectual Biography and Contributions of Abdullah Ahmad to Islamic Modernism in Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24036/insight.v5i1.289Keywords:
Abdullah Ahmad, intellectual biography, Islamic thought, Islamic modernism, literature reviewAbstract
This study aims to reconstruct the intellectual biography, thought, and contributions of Abdullah Ahmad to the development of Islamic modernism in Indonesia. Previous scholarship has largely emphasized his role in Islamic educational reform, while his broader intellectual trajectory and multidimensional contributions remain underexplored. Employing a qualitative approach with content analysis, this research draws upon ten scholarly articles addressing Abdullah Ahmad, Islamic education, and Islamic modernism in Indonesia. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis using the framework of Miles and Huberman, encompassing data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal Abdullah Ahmad as a multifaceted figure scholar, educator, journalist, and Muslim intellectual whose thought integrated religious and secular sciences, modernized educational systems, introduced innovative teaching methods, utilized print media, and promoted a scientific culture. His major contributions include the establishment of the Adabiyah School as a pioneering model of modern Islamic education and the dissemination of reformist ideas through journalistic activities. The study concludes that Abdullah Ahmad’s legacy extends beyond educational modernization to the broader formation of Islamic modernism in Indonesia. The implications highlight the enrichment of Indonesian Islamic intellectual historiography by linking biography, thought, and reformist contributions within a comprehensive framework.
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