Klaim Religious Authority dalam Konflik Sunni-Syi‘i Sampang Madura

Abstract: this paper deals with the most recent religion-based conflict on the island of Madura involving some Shi’ite and their opponents. The conflict took place mid of 2011. The paper traces the history of the conflict, the parties involved in it, and the various factors that triggered it to happen. It argues that although the conflict is local, it nonetheless reflects the larger and most “global” kind of conflict between the Sunnis and the Shi’is. Considering that the Muslims of Madura are always NU in their theology and tradition, the paper asks to what extend does NU lose its influence on the island in this particular regard. Theories concerningconflict will be used to explain this rare development. Preliminary assumption might however besaid that the conflict reflects (1) the need of the Madurese agrarian society for a better harmonious tate of life, or else (2) the need to punish those who have gone astray from the traditional religious belief, or reflects (3) the latent power struggle between various religious denomination on the island. These are the problems that the paper will try to address. Keywords: conflict, ruling class, religious authority, religious violent