MEMAHAMI SALAFISME DALAM KONTEKS PEMBELAJARAN AKIDAH AKHLAK: Sebuah Tinjauan Komparatif terhadap Karakteristik, Perbedaan, dan Dinamika Aliran Salafi di Indonesia

Abstract

The emergence of Salafism movement in Indonesia has created new dynamics in the archipelago's Islamic landscape, which has long been dominated by mainstream organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah. This movement offers a distinctive approach to understanding Islam by emphasizing a return to the understanding of salaf al-shalih (the first three generations of Islam). This study aims to identify the characteristics of the Salafi school, analyze its differences with mainstream Islamic schools in Indonesia, and explore the dynamics and controversies that emerge in its implementation within the context of aqidah akhlaq education. By using qualitative methods through library research on several academic literature sources for the period 2015-2024, this study found that Salafism has three main characteristics: an emphasis on literal understanding of the Qur'an and Sunnah, a strong rejection of innovations, and a distinctive visual identity. The fundamental difference with NU lies in attitudes toward madhhab and local traditions, while with Muhammadiyah it lies in approaches to modernization and rationalization of religious texts. This study also identified four major challenges in the implementation of Salafism: lack of emphasis on moral education, potential exclusivism, tensions with local traditions, and internal fragmentation. The research concludes that Salafism is not a monolithic movement and requires a balanced approach to aqidah akhlaq education that integrates aspects of faith, ritual worship, and character building.