Pragmatism of doctrine: Salafi political discourse in digital spaces

Abstract

This research focuses on the political narratives of the Salafi (quietist) network in digital spaces such as YouTube and official Instagram accounts of Salafi scholars. The political narratives of the Salafi network are positioned to demonstrate the pragmatism of their doctrines in responding to the national political landscape. The study utilizes a virtual ethnography approach, gathering information and data from the social media accounts of Salafi scholars such as @DzulqarnainMS, @ElGadda, @FirandaAndirjaOfficial, @RodjaTV, and @khalidbasalamah. The analysis tool Nvivo 12 is also employed to aid in the transcription and coding of data. Several key findings are recorded in this study. Firstly, the political stance of the Salafi network is grounded in the doctrine of total obedience to ulil amri, applied rigidly. This doctrine of obedience is crucial in interpreting the relationship between Salafis and the state (politics). Secondly, the doctrine of total obedience to leaders does not apply in the context of democracy. Despite democracy being established as a legitimate system of governance, Salafi scholars consistently provide negative responses, always in opposition to Islamic law. Thirdly, the political narratives of the Salafi network are more extensive on social media, leveraging strategic national issues and positioning themselves as legitimizers of power.