Teungku from Different Worlds in Aceh: An Analysis of the Trajectory of Their Hybrid Identity Construction

The emergence of teungku, another term of ulamâ (Islamic scholars) in Aceh, from different worlds (eg, lecturers of natural sciences) has been a growing phenomenon in recent years, which affects their academic identity. However, research on this issue has been scant. This study attempted to fill in the gap by examining the trajectory of the academics’ hybrid identity reconstruction. Drawing upon social learning theory, this study purposively selected two academic-teungku for in-depth interviews. Narrative inquiry was employed as it best captures their detailed life stories or experiences. The results show that the factors behind their identity reconstruction are more or less similar, including their awareness of the individual Muslim obligation to do dakwah, their good ability and experiences of reading the Quran publicly, their past religious activities during their study in Western countries, and their commitment to improving their ability to be able to participate in the community of practice of teungku world. In conclusion, their identities have been revised, refined, and renegotiated to align with the academic needs and their religious obligation.