Reconciling Lineage with Reform: A Narrative Inquiry into the Hybrid Religious-Cultural Identity of Habib Muhammadiyah (HabibMu)

This article foregrounds the largely overlooked fact that Muhammadiyah is a friendly and transformative religious home for habaib. The habaib have long been regarded as absent from Muhammadiyah. In fact, some are actively involved in this Islamic movement. Moreover, a few of them have become important figures and role models for their members. This study employs a qualitative narrative inquiry within a constructivist framework, focusing on personal life experiences and identity formation processes of minority religious figures within a particular social context. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two Muhammadiyah Habaib (HabibMu) - Ahmad Al-Jufri from North Sulawesi and Abdullah Smith from East Java - both of whom have more than 45 years of involvement in Muhammadiyah and currently hold senior leadership positions within the organization. By utilizing theories on cultural anchor, social rank attainment, adaptability to change, and bicultural identity development in its analysis, HabibMu not only contributes to the rich cultural diversity within the Muhammadiyah organizational environment but also demonstrates the Alawiyin community's legal adaptability and cross-cultural identity. Although often perceived as a minority, habaib have shown their real contribution to the people and nation through their work and dedication in Muhammadiyah. HabibMu's exemplary role is also a counter-narrative to hyperbolic generalizations that corner the habaib as a community that builds their achievements solely through genealogical privilege.