DAYAH, ULAMA WOMEN AND EDUCATION MODERNIZATION IN ACEH

Dayah or pesantren is one of the oldest traditional Islamic educational institutions in Aceh. Dayah-throughout its history-has an important role in the scope of scientific development in Aceh, especially in the religious disciplines. In its journey, dayah has produced many scholars who qualified both men and women in various religious disciplines. Not only that, the dayah also has given birth to many thinkers and fighters (mujahid), especially in the colonial period. Not only that, dayah has served as a strong cultural and religious bastion. To dayahlah young people in Aceh mostly meudagang, wander, to get stock of knowledge. Dayah has a significant role as agent of change and community development. Therefore, the dayah should continue to be modernized in order to survive while following and balancing the times. Dayah has two great potentials, namely: first, as community development; and secondly, the potential of education. Dayah also has three other functions, namely: first, transmission and transfer of Islamic sciences; second, the maintenance of Islamic tradition; and thirdly, the reproduction of the ulama. This research is concentrated on this third function, especially the reproductive function of female clerics.