Controversy Over Vision/Irfani-Based Da‘Wah Authority:The Narrative Of The Bin Yahya Lineage In Java During The Java War Of 1825-1830

Abstract

This study examines the controversy surrounding vision-spiritual (irfani)–based dakwah authority within the narrative of the Bin Yahya lineage, particularly in relation to the historical context of the 1825-1830 Java War. The irfani method used by certain groups to construct historical legitimacy presents significant problems because it is subjective and difficult to verify scientifically. The study employs a comparative historical analysis by reviewing internal Bin Yahya data—such as oral traditions, testimonies of tomb custodians, and vision-based narratives—and comparing them with primary historical sources and academic studies, including the works of Peter Carey and colonial archives. The findings reveal that many internal narratives are inconsistent with verified historical chronology, including claims of specific figures’ involvement in the Malacca War, alternative identifications of Prince Diponegoro, and the key assertion that Habib Hasan bin Thoha bin Yahya was KRT Sumodiningrat. Nevertheless, several figures of the Bin Yahya lineage, such as Raden Saleh and Habib Usman bin Yahya, possess historically valid and well-documented records. These results affirm that irfani-based religious authority cannot serve as a foundation for historiography because it does not meet standards of scientific verification. Historical writing requires empirical evidence, coherent chronology, and verifiable written sources to preserve the accuracy and integrity of historiography.