Author(s): Welhendri Azwar, Muliono M, Yuli Permatasari, Mufti Ulil Amri
Tuanku as a leader of tarekat community is a charismatic figure who significantly plays his socio-political roles. He is still considered as the source of "fatwa" when the society is in crossroads of confusing political choices. By using descriptivephenomenological method, in order to understand the meaning of Tuanku on various sociopolitical activities, the researchers conducted a focus group discussion with the teachers (murshid) and in-depth interviews to teacher and congregation of tarekat. Observations were made to study the charismatic authority of Tuanku in the dynamics of socio political community that is related to the teachings and religious understandings of tarekatin areas in which tarekat activities are practiced. This study elucidated facts, that; first, Tuanku has an important role and a strong influence on political dynamics of tarekat. Second, Tuanku's understanding on politics has its relation to the religious understanding of tarekat. The relation and integration between religious ideas originating from tarekat’s teaching and socio-political system incarnated in the form of political behavior of tarekat congregation in West Sumatra are still maintained. Third, political attitude and behavior of tarekat community in West Sumatera show a charisma authority toward political choices of the tarekat community. This study is interesting and useful in understanding the political attitude of Tuanku in the midst of the vortex authority and politic of charisma inthe changing and unpredictable political dynamics.