The Transformation of Ibn Khaldun's Asabiyyah in Transnational Solidarity: A Study of Pro-Palestinian Football Supporter Communities

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Published: Oct 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15642/ijps.2026.6.2.148-169
Keywords:
Asabiyyah; Ibn Khaldun; Transnational Solidarity; Football Supporter Communities; Palestine

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Bahij Hisyam Abiyyu
Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya
Muchammad Helmi Umam
Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya

Abstract

Expressions of pro-Palestinian solidarity among football supporter communities provide a context for examining how group solidarity can extend beyond internal attachments and geographical boundaries. This study aims to analyze contemporary manifestations of solidarity through Ibn Khaldun's concept of ‘asabiyyah, particularly in relation to the transnational orientation of pro-Palestinian football supporter communities. Unlike previous studies that predominantly examine football supporters through the perspectives of supporter identity, social movements, and hooliganism, this research adopts an Islamic social-philosophical perspective by employing ‘asabiyyah as a conceptual framework for understanding social cohesion in contemporary society. Using a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach, this study examines three cases the supporter culture surrounding FC St. Pauli, Ultras Ahlawy, and Aremania. Textual and visual documentation is analyzed through hermeneutic interpretation and semiotic analysis to explore the relationships between group identity, collective symbols, and value orientation. The findings identify different foundations of solidarity across the three cases: socio-ideological values within the supporter culture of FC St. Pauli, collective historical memory among Ultras Ahlawy, and local identity accompanied by expressions of humanitarian empathy among Aremania. These patterns suggest that existing forms of group attachment can provide a basis for expressions of solidarity directed toward humanitarian concerns beyond the immediate community. This study contributes to contemporary interpretations of Ibn Khaldun's social thought by demonstrating the analytical relevance of ‘asabiyyah for understanding the broader manifestations and orientations of solidarity in modern football supporter communities, rather than suggesting a transformation of the historical concept itself.

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How to Cite
Abiyyu, B. H., & Umam, M. H. (2026). The Transformation of Ibn Khaldun’s Asabiyyah in Transnational Solidarity: A Study of Pro-Palestinian Football Supporter Communities. Indonesian Journal of Political Studies, 6(2), 148–169. https://doi.org/10.15642/ijps.2026.6.2.148-169
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Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): October
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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