Ulama Authority and the Amar Ma'ruf Nahi Munkar Movement: The Dynamics of Religious Da'wah in Padang Lawas Regency

Abstract

This study analyzes public expectations of ulama authority, the forms of amar ma’ruf nahi munkar da’wah movements, and public views on the role of ulama in the dynamics of religious da’wah in Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra. The study employed a qualitative field approach focused on Kecamatan Lubuk Barumun and Kecamatan Barumun, particularly pesantren and majelis taklim networks, as well as documented MUI-Polres moral guidance activities. Primary data were collected through interviews with three key informants consisting of pesantren/majelis taklim leaders, a santri supervisor, and a majelis taklim administrator/community figure. The data were strengthened through observation of religious activities and documentation of local news, institutional records, and video documentation related to amar ma’ruf nahi munkar movements. Data were analyzed thematically through data condensation, data display, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that ulama authority is legitimized by three interrelated sources: religious educational institutions, the local Islamic identity of Padang Lawas, and public dependence on ulama as moral and religious references. The amar ma’ruf movement appears through pesantren education, majelis taklim, religious lectures, mobile da’wah, worship guidance, and religious consultation. Meanwhile, the nahi munkar movement is reflected in moral guidance, prevention of immoral practices, MUI-Polres cooperation, and collective declarations involving the community. This study concludes that amar ma’ruf nahi munkar is not only a normative Islamic doctrine but also an educational, corrective, and collaborative social da’wah practice shaped by ulama authority, religious institutions, state actors, and local social contexts.