Arabic Language as Representation of Muslim Identity in Indonesia

Abstract

This study is a qualitative research by collecting data from multiple sites that discuss the importance of learning the Arabic language for the people of Indonesia. Top 5 sites with those keywords are Rumaysho.com., BelajarIslam.com, Islampos.com, Kompasiana.com., and kiblat.net. From those five sites will be analyzed with the Yasir Suleiman’s language and religious identity perspective which shows that language has a function as an instrument of communication and also, a symbol of identity. This study found that stereotyping against the Arabic language makes it even more exclusive and closed to non-Muslims in Indonesia. Learning the Arabic language itself is not limited to the religious orientation, but making it as a function of language itself, as a medium of communication. Arabic language has been ‘sacred’ with its strategic position in political, economical, ideological, and academic field.

Is Arabic a Sacred Language or a Foreign Language?

“…Salleh (2007) argues that, theoretically, a language can develop from a linguistic aspect, but when a language becomes a sacred language, the language becomes tied to one theme. Yahya et al (2021) used Yasir Suleiman's Language and religious identity theory. The function of language is as a means of communication and a symbol of identity.…”

“…The function of language is as a means of communication and a symbol of identity. Yahya et al (2021) stated that in Indonesia, there is a stereotype regarding Arabic, which makes the Arabic Language exclusive and closed to non-Muslims in Indonesia. It relates to the view that the Arabic Language has been politically, economically, ideologically, and academically sacred.…”

“…It relates to the view that the Arabic Language has been politically, economically, ideologically, and academically sacred. Yahya et al (2021) also said that learning Arabic in Indonesia is mainly oriented toward religious goals such as understanding the Qur'an, Hadith, and other Sharia sciences. Furthermore, Yahya et al (2021) mentioned that non-Muslims in Indonesia are not interested in learning Arabic.…”

“…Yahya et al (2021) also said that learning Arabic in Indonesia is mainly oriented toward religious goals such as understanding the Qur'an, Hadith, and other Sharia sciences. Furthermore, Yahya et al (2021) mentioned that non-Muslims in Indonesia are not interested in learning Arabic. It contrasts with the ANNS program at Qatar University, where many non-Muslim participants came from various countries.…”

“…Several studies have been conducted on learning Arabic in Indonesia and research on Arabic for non-Muslims in public schools and learning Arabic in Islamic universities in Indonesia (Ekawati, 2019;Hidayah & Muyassaroh, 2023;Ritonga, Wahyuni, & Novigator, 2023;Shahrizal, Nurkhamimi, & Sabri, 2017;Warnis, Triana, Kustati, Remiswal, & Nelmawarni, 2019;Yahya, Mahmudah, & Rochma, 2021). Compared to previous research, this study analyzes aspects that have not been studied before regarding students' beliefs in non-Islamic Higher education about Arabic Language.…”