Abstract

This study investigates the pivotal role of Arabic in shaping religious identity within the Muslim community of Malang, Indonesia, focusing on the prevalence of Arabic script in public spaces, particularly within Islamic enclaves. It explores how the public display of Arabic text contributes to identity formation by mediating relationships between language, space, and social meaning. Using an explorative qualitative analysis, this study examines three key elements: the categories of Arabic script on display, the origins of the text, and the significance and representations associated with it. The findings indicate the dominance of Qur’anic verses in many calligraphic styles, accompanied by well-known Islamic supplications and informative inscriptions. These inscriptions predominantly convey religious meanings, significantly contributing to the establishment of a robust Islamic ethos in the region. Moreover, they play a crucial role in creating an immersive Islamic ambience, enhancing the sanctity of sites, and fostering a heightened sense of devotion among visitors. By shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of linguistic and religious integration, this study underscores the influential role of Arabic in reinforcing cultural and religious identities. It offers critical insights for linguistic and cultural studies, particularly in understanding how public texts mediate identity formation and community cohesion within diverse sociocultural landscapes.