An Interpretative Phenomenological Exploration of Spiritual Tauhid Transformation Among Postgraduate Scholars in Islamic Theology
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Abstract
Islamic theology, particularly the study of tauhid (divine unity), has historically centered on rationalist discourse within the tradition of kalam. In contemporary contexts, however, tauhid is increasingly approached as an experiential and interpretative phenomenon grounded in spiritual and existential encounters, shaped by existential, ethical, and spiritual frameworks. This study addresses the research question: How do postgraduate scholars in Islamic theology internalize and reconstruct the concept of tauhid when engaging with both classical rational theology and contemporary philosophical thought? Despite growing academic interest, little is known about how individuals internalize and reconstruct tauhid when exposed to both classical rational theology and modern philosophical perspectives. This study investigates how personal experiences reflect epistemological shifts in understanding tauhid through a phenomenological lens. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research explores the lived spiritual and academic experiences of postgraduate students and scholars who engage deeply with both rationalist and contemporary thought. Participants included 12 postgraduate scholars from three major Islamic universities in Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed to identify key themes representing experiential transformation. Findings reveal a shift from abstract theological doctrines toward an integrated, existential embodiment of tauhid, encompassing spiritual consciousness, ethical commitment, and dialogical engagement with tradition. These results underscore the importance of subjective meaning-making in theological development, challenging dominant models that privilege doctrinal exposition alone. The study expands our understanding of tauhid as a dynamic and evolving concept, offering new directions for future research in Islamic theology and religious education.
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