Moral Deviance in Sexual Violence by Religious Leaders: An Analysis of Al-Anfal: 27 and An-Nisa: 135

Abstract

The phenomenon of violence and sexual harassment by religious leaders is not new. However, the irony is how religion, which is supposed to be a protector, actually becomes a shield for the perpetrators, and is supposed to uphold moral and spiritual values. From 2020 to 2025, Komnas Perempuan recorded an increase in the number of reports of sexual violence in religious education environments, including Islamic boarding schools. In the midst of increasing public awareness of gender justice and victim protection, there is still an abuse of religious authority that undermines public trust in religious institutions. In the perspective of the Qur'an, trust and justice are fundamental principles that must be upheld by every leader, including religious leaders. Q.S. Al-Anfal: 27 and Q.S. An-Nisa: 135 are normative footholds in dismantling deviant behavior committed by some scholars, especially in cases of sexual violence that undermine basic human values. This study aims to analyze the form of moral deviation of ulama in cases of sexual violence by using an approach to this verse. The method used is a qualitative approach with content analysis techniques. The results of the study show that: first, sexual violence by clerics is a form of betrayal of the religious and social mandate carried out. Second, Q.S. Al-Anfal: 27 gives a serious warning against forms of betrayal in power relations. Third, Q.S. An-Nisa: 135 shows the importance of justice regardless of the position or status of the perpetrator. Fourth, the Qur'anic values of trust and justice must be a benchmark in assessing and responding to cases of sexual violence, as well as being the basis for building collective awareness in rejecting the culture of silence against victims.