Book

Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah (ABS-SBK) represents one of the most distinctive and influential philosophical foundations of Minangkabau society in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Rooted in the harmonious relationship between customary traditions (adat), Islamic teachings (syarak), and the Qur'an (Kitabullah), this philosophy establishes a comprehensive framework for moral conduct, social relationships, cultural identity, and community life. The well-known principle reflects the conviction that customary practices should be grounded in Islamic values, while religious teachings provide ethical and spiritual guidance for maintaining social harmony and collective well-being. This book explores the historical, ethnographic, philosophical, and cultural foundations of the Minangkabau people, emphasizing the distinctive interaction between matrilineal kinship and Islamic social values. It examines the philosophical principles of ABS-SBK, the roles of family and clan structures, the responsibilities of traditional leaders (niniak mamak), religious scholars (alim ulama), and intellectual community figures (cadiak pandai), as well as the customary institutions that shape Minangkabau society. Particular attention is given to the relationship between adat and syarak as complementary sources of guidance in social organization, customary law, leadership, and decision-making. Beyond its theoretical foundations, this book investigates how ABS-SBK is expressed through everyday social practices, traditional ceremonies, marriage customs, inheritance systems, community deliberations, conflict resolution, and cultural traditions. It highlights fundamental Minangkabau values such as musyawarah (deliberation), mufakat (consensus), gotong royong (mutual cooperation), budi pekerti (moral character), and rasa jo pareso (sensitivity and thoughtful judgment). Another important dimension of this work is traditional ethnomathematics, which reveals how mathematical concepts, including geometry, symmetry, patterns, measurement, and spatial relationships, are embedded in Minangkabau architecture, traditional weaving, handicrafts, customary objects, and cultural activities.