From Falak to Fiqh Muamalah

Deconstructing the Socio-Economic Movement of KH. Sholeh Darat as a Counter-Hegemony Strategy Against Colonialism

Abstract

This study aims to deconstruct the socio-economic movement of KH. Sholeh Darat (1820-1903), a Javanese cleric and anti-colonial figure, by analyzing his integrative approach in combining Islamic theology, contextual jurisprudence (fiqh), and cultural politics as a form of counter-hegemony against Dutch colonial economic and cultural penetration. Using a qualitative historical-philosophical approach, this research analyzes primary data from KH. Sholeh Darat's works, especially Majmu'at al-Shari'ah al-Kafiyah li al-'Awam and Faid al-Rahman, through content analysis and critical hermeneutics. The findings reveal that KH. Sholeh Darat developed a threefold empowerment strategy: (1) contextualizing Islamic economic law (e.g., zakat using local Javanese measurements) to make it accessible and empowering for common people; (2) criticizing irrational and unproductive economic practices (e.g., ceremonial offerings) to promote rational and productive economic ethics; (3) strengthening cultural identity through the use of Javanese language and Pegon script, as well as rejecting colonial symbols, to build mental and economic independence. This study contributes to the understanding of Islamic social movements in the colonial era that went beyond political resistance to encompass holistic socio-economic empowerment.