Publisher

UINSAIDUINSAID

Journal Academica : Journal of Multidisciplinary StudiesAcademica : Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies Abstract

This study examines the representation of problematic religious practices in the Malaysian drama series Bidaah through the lens of Soekarnos concept of Islam Sontoloyo. Although previous studies have explored Bidaah from various perspectives, none has specifically employed Islam Sontoloyo as an analytical framework to explore religious manipulation, blind obedience, the excessive glorification of religious leaders, and the use of religion for personal gain. The research adopts a qualitative approach and employs Critical Discourse Analysis to examine dialogues, narratives, and visual representations across all fifteen episodes of the series. The analysis focuses on textual representations, their broader socio-religious discursive constructions, and implications. The findings reveal four major patterns of problematic religious practice: religion as a means of legitimizing authority and advancing personal interests; followers accepting religious teachings without critical reflection; the glorification of religious leaders elevating Walid to a quasi-sacred status; and religious teachings functioning as mechanisms of control over followers beliefs, decisions, and social relationships. The study contributes to Islamic and media studies by highlighting the continuing relevance of Islam Sontoloyo as a framework for understanding contemporary forms of religious manipulation, fanaticism, and religious authority in digital culture.

Conclusion

This study analyzes the representation of religious practices in the drama series Bidaah through the perspective of Soekarnos Islam Sontoloyo.The analysis reveals diverse forms of deviant religious practice, including the veneration of religious figures, congregational fanaticism, spiritual manipulation, and the instrumentalization of religion as a means of legitimating power.The character of Walid is depicted as a figure who builds absolute authority by exploiting religious symbols and claims to secure the total obedience of his followers.These practices illustrate how religion can be used not as a means of moral and spiritual cultivation, but as a tool of domination and social control over congregants.Soekarnos concept of Islam Sontoloyo possesses strong relevance for reading the phenomena depicted in Bidaah.His critiques of blind imitation, excessive veneration of religious figures, the misuse of fiqh for personal benefit, and the loss of humanitarian values in religious practice are evident in various scenes of the series.The study highlights the importance of the vision of Islam is Progress, advanced by Soekarno, as a foundation for building a rational, critical, and humanistic religious practice.

Future Research

Based on the findings and analysis, several suggestions for further research can be proposed. First, a comparative study could be conducted to examine the portrayal of religious practices and socio-religious critique in other popular media, such as films or podcasts, to identify common patterns and differences. Second, a deeper exploration of the impact of digital media on religious authority and the spread of religious manipulation could be undertaken, considering the role of algorithms and user interactions in shaping religious discourse and communities. Third, a study on the effectiveness of critical religious literacy programs in countering religious manipulation and fostering rational and open religious engagement could be beneficial, particularly in the context of digital media and its influence on religious practices and beliefs.

References

1. Exposing the Distortion of Faith and Jurisprudence in Bidaah (2025) Through Social Criticism in Cinema... doi.org/10.33093/ijcm.2025.6.2.11Exposing the Distortion of Faith and Jurisprudence in Bidaah 2025 Through Social Criticism in Cinema doi 10 33093 ijcm 2025 6 2 11
2. Social Media and the Fragmentation of Religious Authority among Muslims in Contemporary Indonesia | Digital... digitalmuslimreview.or.id/index.php/dmr/article/view/10Social Media and the Fragmentation of Religious Authority among Muslims in Contemporary Indonesia Digital digitalmuslimreview index php dmr article view 10
3. Perkembangan Jama’ah Tarekat (Suluk) Naqsabandiyah di Surau Baiturrahman Lubuak Landua Kabupaten... doi.org/10.24036/jk.v5i2.671Perkembangan JamaAoah Tarekat Suluk Naqsabandiyah di Surau Baiturrahman Lubuak Landua Kabupaten doi 10 24036 jk v5i2 671
4. The Influence of Sukarno's Nationalism on the State and Islamic Politics in Indonesia | Perwakilan:... pub.darulfunun.id/index.php/perwakilan/article/view/39The Influence of Sukarnos Nationalism on the State and Islamic Politics in Indonesia Perwakilan pub darulfunun index php perwakilan article view 39

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