On July 14th, 2025, the Jusuf Kalla Library and the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) held the 14th edition of the Book Forum Series. This special session featured Twilight of the Saints: The History and Politics of Salafism in Contemporary Egypt, a major work by Assoc. Prof. Stéphane Lacroix, a political scientist from Sciences Po, Paris, widely known for his scholarship on Islam and politics in the Arab world.
The forum was opened by Prof. Yanwar Pribadi, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at UIII, who expressed appreciation for the growing interest in contemporary Islamic thought and comparative religious politics. Dr. Hurriyah (Universitas Indonesia) moderated the event, offering insightful context into the rise of Salafi movements and their significance in moments of political and social upheaval. “Salafism reshapes Islamic discourse in times of transition,” she remarked, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on how this dynamic plays out both in Egypt and in Southeast Asia.
Although Twilight of the Saints has not yet been translated from French, its impact was clearly felt. The book focuses primarily on Egypt but raises themes that resonate strongly with the Indonesian experience—particularly concerning modernist and reformist trends within Islamic movements like Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah. Lacroix revealed that he began the project in 2010, shortly after arriving in Egypt and encountering Salafi communities firsthand. The research and writing process stretched over 15 years, spanning fieldwork, political shifts, and ongoing academic engagement. “It was not a linear process,” he shared. “I worked on other things along the way, but this book always stayed with me.”
Dr. Muhammad Al-Marakeby, a lecturer at UIII and a scholar trained at Al-Azhar University, served as the forum’s discussant. He praised the book for offering a “totally new” framework for understanding Salafism, particularly through its typologies and attention to theological, political, and legal dimensions. “The way he categorizes and distinguishes different strands of Salafism is valuable,” Al-Marakeby said. “It challenges some assumptions, even among those familiar with the topic.”
The audience was engaged throughout the event, with many participants drawing connections between the Egyptian and Indonesian contexts. Questions ranged from theological interpretation to the role of Salafi groups in electoral politics, signaling strong interest in how global movements interact with local dynamics.
In closing, Dr. Hurriyah thanked the speakers and audience for their enthusiasm, noting that the Book Forum Series continues to provide a space for meaningful exchange across cultures and disciplines. “We hope this forum sparks further reflection—not just today, but in future discussions here at UIII and beyond.”Book Forum 14 underscored the importance of cross-regional scholarship in understanding contemporary Islamic movements. As Twilight of the Saints continues to gain international attention, conversations like this help bridge global insights with local relevance.