Kiai Ihsan jampes's concept of mahabbah: echoing sufi principles for unity, peace, and respect among diverse communities

Abstract

The modern Muslim community faces significant challenges in fostering unity, peace, and mutual respect amidst cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity. To address these challenges, the development of ethical concepts rooted in Islamic tradition has become increasingly important. One such concept is Mahabbah, which Kiai Ihsan Jampes, a renowned Indonesian Sufi scholar, discusses in his work Siraj al-Talibin. Kiai Ihsan emphasises that Mahabbah is not merely personal or spiritual love but also an ethical foundation capable of strengthening social bonds in diverse contexts. This study explores Mahabbah in the thought of Kiai Ihsan Jampes, examining its potential as a value to address conflicts and foster social harmony. Using a qualitative approach to analyse Kiai Ihsan’s Sufi texts, supported by interviews with individuals knowledgeable about his teachings, this research focuses on understanding Mahabbah as a universal principle applicable to social interactions and its contribution to social cohesion. The findings suggest that Kiai Ihsan’s concept of Mahabbah is highly relevant for fostering brotherhood and interfaith tolerance. Seen not only as a personal spiritual path, Mahabbah also promotes cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue, helping to ease tensions in pluralistic societies. These insights indicate that Sufi teachings on Mahabbah can provide a foundation for social reconciliation, strengthen bonds among diverse communities, and enhance appreciation for shared human values.