SHEIKH YUSUF OF MAKASSAR AS AN INTERCONTINENTAL PREACHER: POLITICAL COMMUNICATION, TAREKAT AND MODERATE DA‘WA

Abstract

Sheikh Yusuf of Makassar is globally known as a great scholar, leading ṣȗfȋ, national hero and muftȋ. He contributed his life for Islamic preaching in various forms in two continents Asia and Africa. Many treatises have been published regarding his role as scholar, ṣȗfȋ, hero, and muftȋ. However, a very view writing has been made concerning his position as a preacher. This paper tried to reveal al-Makassarȋ’s position in Islamic preaching. It is a qualitative descriptive study based on da‘wa figure (rijȃl al-da‘wa).  Regarding his qualification as a preacher both academic capacity as well as ethics analysed by conveying charismatic theory while his challenge, form and moderate da‘wa are analyzed by using path-goal theory. The result shows that some of his da‘wa challenge are colonialism,  missionary endeavor, and restriction. His forms of da‘wa are among others: transformation (al-da‘wa bi al-taghyȋr), reformation (al-da’wa bi al-tajdȋd), movement (al-da‘wa bi al-ḥaraka), liberation (al-da‘wa bi al-taḥrȋr). These forms were designed according to socio-political environment of the communities. The study also shows    al-Makassarȋ’s  moderate  da‘wa, includes: wider horizon, balance, reconciliation, non-discrimination, and inclusiveness.  This moderate da‘wa was  identified through his attitude and behaviour toward religious and political background of the society as well as his mystical teaching. The study recommends Islamic preachers (dȃ‘ȋ) to broaden their scientific insight on the content of da‘wa through reading research founding, conducting research and involving in interfaith dialogue. In addition, It is recommended to other researchers to conduct research on al-Makassarȋ’s method, media and message of da‘wa.