Guru Tua dan Gerakan Intelektual Progresif di Tengah Modernitas

This study explores the intellectual contributions of Sayyid Idrus bin Salim Al-Jufri—widely known as Guru Tua—in shaping a progressive Islamic model through education and da'wah in Eastern Indonesia, particularly in the city of Palu. Using a qualitative descriptive approach based on library research, this paper examines how Guru Tua’s thought and practice reflect principles of transformative, inclusive, and contextual Islam. Through Alkhairaat, the educational institution he founded, Guru Tua integrated religious and secular knowledge as a means of liberating society from the structural ignorance imposed by colonialism—resonating with Paulo Freire’s concept of critical pedagogy. His culturally adaptive and inclusive da'wah strategy also fostered social harmony in a multicultural society. In today's context marked by rising extremism and spiritual crises, Guru Tua’s legacy offers a compelling model of Islam Nusantara—tolerant, visionary, and deeply relevant. This research highlights the enduring significance of his thought in shaping a liberating and civilization-building Islamic paradigm for the contemporary world. Abstrak Penelitian ini membahas kontribusi pemikiran Sayyid Idrus bin Salim Al-Jufri atau yang dikenal sebagai Guru Tua dalam membangun model keislaman progresif melalui pendidikan dan dakwah di Indonesia timur, khususnya di Kota Palu. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif berbasis studi pustaka, penelitian ini menggali bagaimana pemikiran dan praktik Guru Tua mencerminkan prinsip-prinsip Islam yang transformatif, inklusif, dan kontekstual. Guru Tua memadukan ilmu agama dan ilmu umum dalam sistem pendidikan Alkhairaat untuk membebaskan umat dari kebodohan struktural kolonial, sejalan dengan gagasan pendidikan pembebasan ala Paulo Freire. Pendekatan dakwahnya yang kultural dan adaptif juga berhasil menciptakan harmoni sosial di tengah masyarakat multikultural. Dalam konteks kekinian yang diwarnai ekstremisme dan krisis spiritualitas, warisan pemikiran Guru Tua menawarkan model Islam Nusantara yang toleran, visioner, dan relevan. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pemikiran Guru Tua layak dijadikan rujukan dalam merumuskan paradigma keislaman dan pendidikan Islam kontemporer yang membebaskan dan membangun peradaban. Kata kunci: Guru Tua, Islam Progresif, Modernitas