Masculinity and Islamic Spirituality

Mainstream film studies on masculinity are still dominated by a Western paradigm that tends to emphasize secular rationality and competitive aggression, and thus often fail to explain the formation of the spiritual and ethical values underlying male identity in predominantly Muslim societies. To bridge this gap, this study examines the representation of Islamic masculinity in Islamic-themed films in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. This was done to uncover the construction of religion-based models of masculinity in popular cinema in Southeast Asian countries as an alternative that challenges conventional Western hegemonic stereotypes. Using a qualitative documentary approach, this study analyzes Islamic masculinity in Muslim male characters in films. Data collection involved audiovisual documentation studies and textual observations. This study used an adapted narrative abstraction model to analyze the data. The results show that films from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam share similar patterns in constructing Islamic masculinity. First, masculinity is seen in men’s ability to handle internal conflicts and sexual urges, which is evident in their ability to control themselves. Second, masculinity emerges as leadership based on compassion and protection for women and their families. Third, Muslim men have spiritual and social responsibilities because they dare to make a marriage commitment according to Islamic law. Cinema in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam serves as an important cultural medium that offers models of Muslim masculinity rooted in spirituality in contemporary Southeast Asia.