Sitti Raihanun Zainuddin Abdul Madjid, Female Scholar of the 21st Century: Pioneer in Gender Transformation and Islamic Education in Lombok-West Nusa Tenggara

This study reveals the central role of Sitti Raihanun Zainuddin Abdul Majid as a 21st-century female ulama and pioneer in gender transformation and Islamic education development in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Designed with a qualitative descriptive method, this research explores Sitti Raihanun’s contributions to gender transformation in Islamic education in Lombok. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with Nahdlatul Wathan (NW) members and local community leaders, NW document analysis, and Sitti Raihanun’s speeches. Using a hermeneutic approach, data analysis techniques included a deep interpretation of historical, social, and cultural contexts. The study findings indicate that Sitti Raihanun is a NW leader and a woman who positively impacts education and Islamic values in West Nusa Tenggara. Key factors shaping her role include her family background, active involvement in NW, and inherited moral values. Leadership analysis depicts her success as an organizational leader and educator by establishing Islamic schools and pesantren. Despite being recognized as an heir, controversial views emerged regarding female leadership. The charisma inherited from her parents significantly impacted her role in NW, and her recognition as a member of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) reflects her national influence. Another finding confirms that Sitti Raihanun applied a transformative and charismatic leadership model, which is evident in organizational dynamics, the establishment of educational institutions, and her national influence. This study provides a deep understanding of Sitti Raihanun’s transformative role, highlighting the complexity and dynamics of her leadership and positive contributions to gender transformation and community development through Islamic education.