Abstract

The year 2000 marked a pivotal point in the evolution of popular Islamic-themed novels in Indonesia. During this period, many novels with Islamic themes achieved commercial success. The proliferation of Islamic-themed novels during this period led to a surge in the reading of Islamic fiction, particularly among teenagers. Although numerous studies have been conducted, the question of what constitutes the Islamic identity articulated by the author has never been addressed. This study employs two widely read Islamic novels, Ayat-Ayat Cinta (2004) by Habiburahman El-Shirazy and Geni Jora (2004) by Abidah El-Khalieqy, to elucidate the articulation of Islamic identity. The results demonstrate that both novels portray religious practices as an integral aspect of the characters’ daily lives, exemplifying a dedication to Islamic values such as benevolence, respect for social hierarchy, and ethical and moral norms guided by religion. Nevertheless, the contrasts in the narrative approach enhance the comprehension of Islamic identity in various settings. Ayat-Ayat Cinta places a strong emphasis on the exploration of conflicts in the context of religion, love, and culture. In contrast, Geni Jora strongly emphasizes aspects of spirituality and religious traditions in the daily lives of its characters, as well as moral and social conflicts in the context of local culture. These works feature highly intellectual characters who had studied abroad and offer a broader understanding of Islamic teachings.