‘Ulamā’ and the Formation of Islamic Knowledge: Learning from Two Historical Experiences in Sumatra

This article discusses the Islamic experiences in two coastal areas of Sumatra, east and west coasts, late nineteenth early twentieth centuries. The discussions focus one ways difference systems politics created necessary condition for rise expressions Islam. existence Malay kingdoms coast appeared to be a leading factor establishment kingdom-oriented Islam, different from stateless which gave initial substance civil society. In reference concept knowledge formation, this underscores important points difference, leadership styles ‘ulamā’ (Muslim scholars) making Islam language they used their works (kitabs). As such, study demonstrates fact that real appears have provided with circumstantial options engage certain settings discourses.