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Paper short abstract:

This exploratory paper rethinks development as an opportunity for the enactment of Muslim moralities. It inquires into the way development inflects these moralities, and how Muslim moralities influence local development practices in Medan, Indonesia.

Paper long abstract:

The volunteers of a local social welfare organisation in Medan, Indonesia have an in-house joke that they receive 'gaji sejuta' (salary of one million): senyum (smile) jujur (honesty) and taqwa (Godly). What they receive rather than payment is an opportunity to conduct themselves in a particular manner, thereby actualising an understanding of self through virtuous action. For many volunteers, their actions are tied with ambitions of becoming a good Muslim. They conduct their work with ikhlas (sincerity), as ibadah (a form of worship), in the hope, but not expectation, that they will receive pahala (reward for moral conduct). Such moral framings of their work is particularly prevalent among women, indicating perhaps the desire to express publicly their piety in a context where such opportunities are differentiated by gender.

This exploratory paper seeks to make sense of Muslim moralities in a community driven development program in Medan, Indonesia. It rethinks the scene of development as an opportunity for the enactment of Muslim moralities, and to satisfy one's soul (jiwa). It inquires into the way development inflects these moralities, and how Muslim moralities influence local development practices.