Zuhud in the Modern Era: Perspectives of Traditional and Modern Teungku Dayah in Aceh Besar

Abstract

This study examines the concept and practice of zuhud in the modern era from the perspectives of traditional and modern teungku dayah in Aceh Besar. In contemporary society, zuhud is often misunderstood as withdrawal from worldly life or rejection of material possessions. This research seeks to clarify such misconceptions by exploring how teungku dayah interpret and implement zuhud within changing social, economic, and cultural contexts. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with traditional and modern teungku dayah, participant observation in dayah environments, and analysis of relevant classical and contemporary Islamic texts. The data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns in the understanding and implementation of zuhud in daily life, leadership, and social relations. The findings reveal that both traditional and modern teungku dayah conceptualize zuhud as inner detachment rather than physical deprivation. Zuhud is understood as an ethical–spiritual orientation that regulates attachment to worldly possessions while encouraging social responsibility, moral discipline, and balanced engagement with modern life. Differences between the two groups appear mainly in emphasis and expression, particularly in responding to contemporary lifestyles and institutional demands, rather than in the core meaning of zuhud itself. This study contributes to the discourse on Islamic spirituality by demonstrating that zuhud remains relevant in the modern era as a flexible ethical framework. Rather than functioning as an ascetic doctrine, zuhud operates as a moral guide that enables religious actors to navigate material abundance, social change, and leadership responsibilities without compromising spiritual integrity