When Tradition Meets Modernity: PW PERSIS Sumut and UIN SU Host Landmark Conference on Contemporary Ijtihad
Medan, Indonesia — Something remarkable unfolded at the Madani Hotel in Medan recently. Scholars, academics, and thinkers gathered in one dynamic room to tackle a pressing question: how can traditional Islamic jurisprudence adapt to our fast-moving, technology-driven world? The regional leadership of Persatuan Islam (PW PERSIS) North Sumatra, in close partnership with the Doctoral Program in Islamic Law and the Master’s Program in Family Law at UIN Sumatera Utara, successfully staged an inspiring International Conference that left participants buzzing with fresh insights.
The high-caliber gathering centered around a bold theme: “Contemporary Ijtihad and the Renewal of Islamic Law: Reconstructing Sharia Responses to Global Challenges.” Far from being a dry academic symposium, the conference turned into an engaging forum where tradition shook hands with modernity. It also served as a strategic milestone on the road to the upcoming National Working Assembly (Musykernas) V of PERSIS, scheduled to take place in Medan in late November 2026.
Opening the sessions with energy and clarity, KH. Muhammad Nuh, M.SP, Chairman of PW PERSIS Sumut, took the stage as the keynote speaker. He passionately argued that issuing religious rulings (fatwas) in today’s hyper-connected global era is no longer optional—it is an absolute necessity. Static fatwas simply cannot address the complex realities of digital financial systems, artificial intelligence, or shifting societal norms.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary scholar Yusuf Al-Qardhawi, KH. Muhammad Nuh highlighted the vital concept of Tafsir Fi Ad-Dakwah, urging religious leaders to adopt a forward-looking mindset. He reminded the audience that while fundamental religious principles (Tsawabit) remain firm, the door of ijtihad—or independent legal reasoning—remains wide open to ensure that Islamic teachings remain vibrant, relevant, and supportive of human progress.
The academic momentum accelerated when Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Ikhlas Rosele from Universiti Malaya offered an insightful international perspective. Specializing in Ushul Fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence), Dr. Rosele revisited the classic story of the Prophet’s companions praying at Bani Quraizhah to illustrate the essence of public interest (Mashlahat). His lively presentation reminded listeners that diversity in interpreting human welfare is not a source of division, but a genuine blessing.
Gender equity and family rights took center stage during the presentation by Prof. Dr. Sukiati, MA, Head of the Master’s Program in Family Law at UIN SU. She presented a compelling comparative study of divorce legislation in Indonesia and Morocco, grounding her analysis in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 220. Her findings underscored the need for continuous legal reform to better protect the dignity and rights of women in modern families.
Adding a visionary philosophical dimension, Prof. Dr. Ansari Yamamah, MA, introduced his groundbreaking concept of "Transitive Ushul Fiqh." He challenged scholars to move beyond conventional boundaries by building bridges across disciplines. His framework blends textual reasoning (Qauli), natural observation (Kauni), and philosophical inquiry (Falsafi) to create new pathways for generating relevant knowledge in a complex world.
As the conference drew to a close, Dr. Iwan Nasution, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all speakers and participants. He pointed out that bringing academic researchers and organizational scholars together under one roof was a game-changer. The collaborative atmosphere highlighted how higher education institutions and Islamic mass organizations can team up to drive meaningful social impact.
Reporters Joko Imawan and Abdul Aziz, who covered the event live, noted that the atmosphere remained animated throughout the day. Interactive question-and-answer sessions allowed students, lecturers, and community activists to challenge ideas and explore solutions together. This active engagement showed a deep hunger among young intellectuals for practical, progressive religious guidance.
The bridge between academic theory and real-world application was a central takeaway of the entire event. By connecting UIN SU’s deep research capabilities with PERSIS Sumut’s grassroots organizational reach, the organizers demonstrated a practical model for closing the gap between university lecture halls and everyday community life.
Looking ahead, the key recommendations synthesized from this international conference will not gather dust on library shelves. Instead, they will be formatted into a strategic policy draft for the upcoming Musykernas V PW PERSIS Sumut. This draft will offer actionable blueprints for navigating digital propagation (dakwah), economic empowerment, and contemporary humanitarian challenges.
Ultimately, this successful gathering in Medan sends a clear and uplifting message to the world: Islamic scholarship is active, responsive, and ready for the future. By embracing contemporary ijtihad, PW PERSIS Sumut and UIN SU have proven that honoring ancient wisdom and welcoming modern innovation can go hand in hand.
