Javano Islamicus

Megengan Ritual: Tracing Existential Meaning in Javanese Culture through Philosophy of Anthropology

Ahmad Mustakim — 2025-10-20

Megengan is not just a ritual, but a process of internalization of deep religious and moral values, which is reflected in the daily attitudes and actions of Javanese people during Ramadan. This tradition begins with various preparations such as cleaning themselves, houses, and the surrounding environment, symbolizing the cleansing of the body and soul in order to welcome the holy month with a pure heart and a calm heart. They may also prepare and distribute special food called apem, which symbolizes apology and forgiveness, in accordance with the Javanese philosophy of harmony. This ritual combines religious elements and traditional Javanese values, strengthening social bonds and a sense of community, as well as self-reflection to fi nd a balance between secular and spiritual needs. Values such as unity, harmony and self-control are deeply embedded in this tradition and we can see how the younger generation is taught to value and preserve cultural heritage. This study analyzes the existential meaning of the Megengan ritual through an anthropological-philosophical approach, reveals the philosophical and spiritual values in the practice of Megengan, and examines the role of Megengan in the formation of cultural identity of the role played by Javanese society. The research findings reveal the deep existential meaning of Megengang, how this ritual helps individuals find the meaning of life and self-identity, and serves as a means to preserve and strengthen the Javanese cultural identity that is expected to be displayed.

Makna Sosial Religius dalam Tradisi Ziarah Makam Mbah Boyo Patih di Desa Medang Glagah Lamongan

Sya'idatun Nikmah — 2025-10-20

This research focuses on examining the pilgrimage tradition to the tomb of Mbah Boyopatih among the Muslim community in Medang Village, Glagah District, Lamongan. The main problems addressed in this study are: 1) What is the history of Mbah Boyopatih? and 2) What motivates visitors to perform pilgrimage to the tomb of Mbah Boyopatih? This study employs a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis, aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of the pilgrimage tradition through data collected by observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings of this research conclude that the tomb of Mbah Boyopatih is highly venerated due to the great contributions of the Waliyullah and his extraordinary karomah (spiritual charisma). Mbah Boyopatih was a disciple of Kanjeng Sunan Giri. Within the site, there is a sacred spring known as jublang or a catfish pond, which is believed to cure various illnesses, especially skin diseases, through the consumption of the catfish. The community has sanctified the catfish as a form of respect for Mbah Boyopatih and his struggles in spreading Islam. The motivation for visiting the tomb lies in fulfilling values deeply embedded in the worldview of the community, including the belief that the spirit of the saint continues to protect the surrounding environment.

Kontestasi dan Simbolisme Otoritas Tarekat: Analisis Clifford Geertz atas Ideologi JATMAN dan JATMA Aswaja di Indonesia

Nasywa Zaakiyatul Fitri — 2025-10-20

This study examines the ideological contestation between two Sufi organizations within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), namely Jam’iyyah Ahluth Thariqah al-Mu’tabarah an-Nahdliyyah (JATMAN) and Jam’iyyah Ahlith Thariqah al-Mu’tabarah Aswaja (JATMA Aswaja). Both entities share a similar vision of spiritual da‘wah but pursue different paths in constructing religious authority. JATMAN emphasizes the continuity of NU’s traditions and institutional structures, while JATMA Aswaja—led by Habib Luthfi bin Yahya—promotes a more inclusive, progressive, and community-empowering Sufi approach. The purpose of this study is to analyze their ideological narratives, religious symbols, and socio-religious impacts. Employing qualitative library research, this study applies Clifford Geertz’s symbolic theory, which views religion as a system of meaning expressed through symbols and rituals. Data were collected from organizational documents, public sermons, online news, journal articles, and related theses. The findings indicate that the conflict between JATMAN and JATMA Aswaja is not merely structural but also symbolic. Differences in the use of symbols and ritual styles reflect divergent ideologies and da‘wah strategies. This contestation significantly influences the social, educational, economic, and cultural aspects of traditionalist Muslim communities. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of Sufi authority and symbolic construction within the broader context of Indonesia’s moderate Islamic movements.

The Sacredness of the Kolla Al-Asror Spring in the Local Wisdom of the Ujung Piring Community Bangkalan

M Zaini — 2025-10-25

This study explores the meaning and sacred value of the Kolla Al-Asror spring for its visitors. The phenomenon is significant because Kolla Al-Asror serves not only as a water source but also as a living religious symbol within the Islamic tradition of the Ujung Piring community in Bangkalan. The research focuses on two main questions: (1) What is the historical background of the Kolla Al-Asror spring? and (2) How do visitors interpret its existence? Employing a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation to uncover the spring’s religious and social significance. The findings reveal that Kolla Al-Asror originated from the story of Syaikhona Kholil , who struck his staff into the ground, causing water to emerge miraculously. For the local community and visitors, the spring is regarded as a sacred place believed to offer both physical and spiritual healing, as well as a means to attain Barokah (divine blessing). Furthermore, the existence of Kolla Al-Asror sustains social harmony and provides inner peace for individuals seeking solutions to life’s difficulties. The pursuit of Barokah from the Waliyullah remains the central motivation for religious tourism, believed to bring safety, healing, and well-being to the faithful.

Tinjauan Fikih dan Tasawuf Terhadap Tirakat dalam Tradisi Jawa

M. ALAN AL FARISI — 2025-10-29

The Javanese Muslim community today remains closely connected to the legacy of tirakat traditions that have been passed down for centuries as a result of the process of spreading Islam in Java. Tirakat is a traditional phenomenon intertwined with spirituality and religious values, which often gives rise to debates regarding the legality of its practice. This is what has inspired the author to explore and examine how Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and Sufism (tasawwuf) view the tirakat tradition that continues to live and thrive in Javanese society. This study employs a literature review method, using library sources as its primary data. The research produces a novelty in the form of Sufi and juridical perspectives on the Javanese tirakat tradition. Tirakat is an act of ascetic discipline closely related to spirituality — an effort to restrain one’s desires by fasting or by secluding oneself in quiet and solitary places such as mountains or caves. The Javanese people recognize many diverse forms of tirakat, which can generally be grouped into three types: tirakat puasa (ascetic fasting), tirakat tapa (meditative seclusion or austerity), and tirakat melek (wakeful vigil or staying awake). In Javanese tradition, tirakat may be practiced as long as it does not contradict Islamic law, does not cause self-harm, and does not lead one to abandon more important obligations.

Kontranasari pada Tradisi Ziarah Kubur dalam Buku “Tak Ada Azab Kubur” Karya Agus Mustofa

Ahmad Sa'dan Husaini — 2025-10-28

The tradition of grave pilgrimage (ziarah makam) has long been rooted in Javanese culture, both before and after the arrival of Islam. This activity is generally understood as an expression of respect for ancestors as well as a means of praying for the souls of the deceased. Among Javanese Muslims, grave pilgrimage also serves as a spiritual and social expression that reflects the relationship between the living and the departed. However, a different perspective emerges from Agus Mustofa through his work “Tak Ada Azab Kubur”, which presents a counter-narrative to traditional beliefs about the afterlife and the concept of punishment in the grave. This study aims to analyze the critical reasoning proposed by Agus Mustofa concerning his interpretation of the concept of grave punishment and its implications for the tradition of grave pilgrimage in Java. The research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach, examining Agus Mustofa’s texts and thoughts systematically and situating them within the context of Javanese Islamic tradition. The findings reveal that Agus Mustofa offers a rational and contextual reinterpretation of the doctrine of grave punishment, challenging the literal understanding held by many believers. This study enriches the discourse of Islam in Java by opening a space for dialogue between tradition, spiritual interpretation, and modern rationality.