SELAMETAN (SALVATION) TRADITION IN OVERVIEW

Nanik Mindarnengsih, S.Pd. Universitas Sidoarjo Email: [email protected]

Abstract Islam religion is the biggest religion in and the most adhered with 87.2% of population. is roughly considered to have gradually spread through merchant activities by Arab Muslim traders, adoption by local rulers and the influence of mysticism since the 13th century. This research uses descriptive method to explain data collection in the field, which provides an overview of Selametan (Salvation) Tradition in Islam overview. Research approach uses a anthropolgy qualitative approach. Data are written results from interviews, observation, and documentations in Salvation Tradition. Data sources are from . The results of this research mentions that Salvation Tradition is a good tradition about praying attitude of khudhu' and khusyu' to Allah but It must be followed with traditional ceremony based on the Javanese Ancestors. Research focus is related with Islam overview that Islam does not teach about Salvation in order to get bless from ancestor. From the statement above, Islam believes that getting bless can be done by making Qur’an recitation as anual event.

Keywords: Religion, Islam, Salvation, Selametan, Tradition, Qualitative Approach, Recitation, Overview.

A. INTRODUCTION Thus, Islam influence is very large Islam is a religion whose spread is in Indonesia, especially in Island. quite extensive in Indonesia. It can be This has concerned with the arrival process proof by many Islamic days as holiday is of Islam on the Java island, which has a celebrated by almost 80% citizen, which is wide influence. The influence has various the highest Muslim population in aspects, including economic, political, and Indonesia. socio-cultural aspects. Islam in Indonesia is roughly Through a long process of Islam, it has considered to have gradually spread be able for slowly stepping on strongly through merchant activities by Arab Javanese society. The influence is also Muslim traders, adoption by local rulers leading a new way with various specific and the influence of mysticism since the Indonesian Culture society. 13th century. During the late colonial era, Indonesia is a country that has a it was adopted as a rallying banner against diverse culture. This diversity is based on colonialism. the geographical location of Indonesia in Islam became the dominant the world trade area.1 religion in Java at the end of the 16th Many traders come to Indonesia century. During this era, the Islamic while they are trading, spreading, and kingdoms of Demak, , and bringing their cultures and religion from were ascendant. The became the dominant power of central and 1 Fischer, H. TH. Pengantar Anthropologi eastern Java at the end of the . Kebudayaan Indonesia, terj. Anas Makruf. : Pustaka Sardjana, 1953 their origin. That is why, that causes some which is coming from by interviewing and acculturation in culture that comes from recording. The results are showing into Hinduism, which had entered in Indonesia phrases and sentences. before Islam religion. Research data source is coming Religious studies today have from the tradition region representative, emerged and used Anthropology as the society, and customary leader, who knows basic approach. Various approaches about about Selametan Tradition. understanding religion that have used so far before. They are seen to be C. RESEARCH DISCUSSIONS complemented by anthropological Anthropology approaches. From those problems, we need Anthropology is a science about to raise Islamic religious thoughts by humans, the past and present, which collaborating between Islamic religion and explains humans through knowledge of Hindu-based culture. social sciences and life sciences (nature) That statement has inherent in and also the humanities. Anthropology is cultural circles namely Islam which is in also called the study of humans based on Java Island. As the example is a case of culture, behavior, diversity and so forth. "Javanese Marriage Salvation Traditional Anthropology is a Greek word from Islam Overview". That case study term derived from the words anthhopos hass faced with and logos. Antrhopos means human and perspective that collaborates with Islam as logos means story or word. Anthropology form of salvation by reading Al-Qur’an. object is humans. Anthropology aims for Based on the statement above, this studying humans in ethnic groups, research focuses on Selametan (salvation) behaviours, and cultures to help the tradition in Islam overview.2 Here author community and society. tries to explain the focus through Antrhopologists in general agree anthropological approach. that Selametan (salvation) is the core ritual in Javanese (Muslim) society. B. METODE PENELITIAN Before the writer discuss it more This research method uses detail, we introduce first about Java and descriptive method that has carried out Javanese society. through data collection in the field, which provides an overview anthropological Java approach. Therefore, this research can Java is famous for its combination describe Islamic overview about Salvation of diverse cultural forms and religious Tradition. belief. Java has many tribes which has Descriptive method according to different culture and custom. Thus are Sugiyono is a research method that aims to Sundanese, Javanese, and Madurese. describe, explains the conditions that has Javanese exist in the company based on facts. The Javanese are know as the tribe with characteristics of the population is based the largest population in all Indonesia. on the data that has collected and then Almost in every island in Indonesia, the arranged systematically and subsequently Javanese must always exist. analizing for conclusion. Javanese are an ethnic group native Research data is about The to the Indonesian island of Java. Javanese Selametan (Salvation) tradition itself, ethnic group has many sub groups, such as the Mataram, Cirebonese, Osing,

Tenggerese, Samin, Naganese, 2 Koentjaraningrat. Kebudayaan Jawa. Jakarta: Balai Pustaka, 1984 Banyumasan, and others. A majority of the Javanese people refers to the state of stasis or simply identify themselves as with a “nothing happens” to one or to people. minority identifying as Christians and Being Slamet implies that one is .3 safe, it shows a safety condition with no Javanese are also known as a difficulties and also no troubles. friendly personality tribe and also have a (Salvation) is the remarkable history of tradition and culture. communal feast from Java, symbolizing However, Javanese civilization has the social unity of those participating in it. been influenced by more than a It is considered as the core ritual in millennium of interactions between the Javanese religion, in particular the native animism Kejawen and the Indian variant. The feast is common among the Hindu-Budddhist culture, and this closely related Javanese, Sundanese, and influence is still visible in Javanese . history, culture, traditions, and art forms. Selametan (salvation) is conducted

for generations as a memorial prayer led

by traditional elders or religious leaders. Javanese Cultures The existence of acculturation of Islamic Javanese culture is one of the and Javanese culture in the 16th century oldest civilisations and has flourished in AD made this ceremony suffers a great Indonesia. It has gradually absorbed change. At that time, the Hindu/Buddha various elements and influences from other prayer was originally used then replaced cultures, including native reference for with Islamic prayer. In addition, offerings ancestral and natural spirits, Hindu and also becameno longer used in this Buddhist dharmic civilisations, Islamic ceremony. values, and to a lesser extent, Christianity, Selametan (Salvation)4 can be Western Philosophy and modern ideas. given to celebrate almost any occurence, One of the Javanese culture is Selametan including birth, marriage, death, moving, (Salvation). to a new house, and so forth. Depending Selametan (Salvation) Tradition on the intenton, the mood, and emphasis Based on KBBI (Indonesian may vary somewhat, but the main structure Dictionary Book), Salvation is held a party is the same. that is shown a traditional ceremony held Giving Congratulations can be by Javanesse society. Yet, Salvation also interpreted as a detachment from unwanted has done with Sundanesse and incidents. Maduranesse society. Meanwhile, Clifford Geertz mentions Selametan is a form of about Slamet that there is nothing thanksgiving event by inviting some (nothing). Slametan ceremony is one of relatives or neighbors. Traditionally the Javanesse tradition that is considered to be thanksgiving event begins with a prayer able to bulid a distance from disaster. together, by sitting cross-legged on a mat, Slametan is a universal concept circling cone with side dishes. that must exist in every place with a Slametan comes from the Javanese word different name. This is because self- “slamet” and most probably in Arabic awareness is “weak" in the presence of “salam” as well. forces outside the human self. Thus means well being, peace, safety, health, goodness, and in essence it 4 Beatty, Andrew. "Adam and Eve and Vishnu: Syncretism in the Javanese Slametan" The Journal 3 Koentjaraningrat. Kebudayaan Jawa. Jakarta: of the Royal Anthropological Institute, Vol. 2, No. Balai Pustaka, 1984 2 (Jun., 1996), pp. 271-288 The ceremony takes its name from Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is a the Javaneseword “slamet”, the from virtuous deed in Islam. In fact, it is Arabic which means Salam. considered as a proof of one’s eeeman Therefore all that has become the (faith). habit of the majority of the community Based on Abu Malik Al-Ashari, he becomes sacred and sacred mythical narrated Allah’s message that “Cleanliness beliefs. This is what in turn, the custom of is half of faith”. tradition has unknowingly become a value Sadaqah is not restricted to giving system (putten for behavior) for populist part of our wealth or material possessions society in general. The value system often or any special deed or righteousness. Since becomes a guideline for those whose level sadaqah is not limited to give money or of sacredness sometimes exceeds the value part of our wealth, every Muslim can earn system of other formal religious texts. rewards from Allah. Therefore, sadaqah is an easy way to increase our eeman. D. RESEARCH RESULTS If we want to enjoy Allah’s Islam does not recognize tremendous rewards in our sadaqah, we Selametan (salvation). Why is it not nedd to follow these steps suc as: 1) eradicated? Because selametan Sadaqah must be done sincerely for the (salvation) is a Buddhist models and pleasure of Allah and not out of riya’ cultures. Selametan (salvation) has feast (show off) to gain praise or recognition culture such as ambengan, kupat , from others; 2) Sadaqah is better to (jenang) mirah, and so forth. conceal what we give or do: 3) Sadaqah Yet, Islam does not have those kind must be from Halal (lawful) sources; 4) of culture, because Islam teaches about Begin charity with your dependents; 5) being simple and simply. Not to delay giving of sadaqah nor show

Those are not supposed to be lethargy or negligence in giving sadaqah; eradicated? Do not count the sadaqah you give; and 7) Seek only the desire to see Allah which is Because there is no light at that time? the supremesuccess in Paradise. That can be explained as Shodaqoh in principle of Islamic recommendation. Difference with Selametan (salvation) .and Sadaqah َوف ِى ْال َح ِد ْي ِث: اَل َّصدَ َقةُ أَ ْف َض ُل ِم َن ال ِ ِّصيَا ِم، Selametans (Salvations) is coming َّ ٌ َّ from Hinduism culture. Selametan َوال ِ ِّصيَا ُم ُجنة ِم َن النا ِر. Shodaqoh is more important than fasting, (salvations) purposes to pray to God Al and fasting is a shield from hell. (Narrated Mighty, which is based on Hinduism by Addailamy Fi Musnadihi Al Firadus) belief. Yet, Selametan also has similarity ا َل َّصدَ َقةُ تُ ْط ِف ُئ ا ْل َخ ِط ْيئَ َة َك َما تُ ْط ِف ُئ ا ْل َم ا ُء with sadaqah, which is sharing to someone ال َّنا َر else without giving any options and also Shodaqoh can extinguish errors, like water 5 extinguishing a fire. (HR. Addailamy Fi any obstacles. Musnadihi Al Firadus). Selametan has its own procedures. The other form of shodaqoh, Islam The procedures are generally held in the does not determine, that the Prophet said: evening, after evening prayer is finished. The date is determined either by the ُ َ occurance it is celebrating, for whom, or تَ َصدَّق ْوا َول ْو بِتَ َم َرة Shodaqoh you, even if it's just a date palm.

(Narrated by Al Bukhori). This hadist 5 shows that shodaqoh, in whatever form Woodward, Mark R.. "The "Slametan": Textual Knowledge and Ritual Performance in Central and in any number, Prophet Muhammad Javanese Islam." History of Religions, Vol. 28, No. did not determine. 1 (Aug., 1988), pp. 54-89 on auspicious days in the Javanese among four to five people; especially calendar. The guests, always, men, are during festive and/or special occasions always close neighbours, and theselection such as a kenduri. of guests is based entirely on proximity, Rice ambeng is a Javanese dish and not whether they are friends or which is placed on top of a table relatives. Selametan feast has some kinds and given side dishes around it. Side of typical food, they are porridge (jenang), dishes consist of , fried salted fish, roasted chicken, sticky kupat, and ambeng. butter, fried chili sauce, boiled Then for Sadaqah, it does not have eggs, fried , , typical food. It is based on our will to give noodles, and chicken . anything to someone else as long as we Rice ambeng is a dish that is served feel free (Ikhlas). Sometime, it is just a in selametan (salvation) as a sign of short word in the form of anything, gratitude. Rice is eaten in a roll by four to although only with a date palm, suffice for five adults. Rice is eaten by hand, without shodaqoh. blades and garfu. The presentation of From the statement above, It can be ambeng rice contains a request that all seen that Selametan (salvation) has parties who participate be blessed with a similarity with Shodaqoh, but it relates lot of sustenance. with Java tradition, which is carried out in Lately a lot has happened, replaced the form of ambeng, jenang, kupat lepet, with takiran (rice box). Try to compare. If and so on. 20 people are invited to salvation, there are Selametan (salvation) custom does also 20 takiran supplies, then for some not conflict with Islam. Indeed, This reason 30 people are present. custom just be used to give respect to the How to overcome the fate of the nine of saints in ancient times (± five ten invitations? But if making ambeng is hundred years ago). It means that this easy, then those peole who were custom as an inherent tradition from Java summoned about 20 people, so there were to memorize the struggle of the saints to 30 ambengs. Then there are 30? Alright, maintain Java Island in spreading Islam in now there are 3 ambengs for thirty people. Java. The saints were very wise and very We will say, "With takiran it's also helpfull at that time. The saints itself are easy, that is, those who don't carry the knowns as Wali Songo. invitation letter are rejected." In our Thus custom is not contradictory opinion, this method does not fit the with Islam and also not eradicated at all. personality of the East people, especially Both customs are how to dress, how to the Javanese. The feeling of the east is settle down, how to socialize and others. very subtle. If he invited his neighbors to Therefore, Selametan (salvation) attend the circumcision ceremony, for feast has different type of food that each example, then there were also some people food gives different ideology and purpose. who were not invited to come, so he did They are ambengan (), porridge not have the heart to reject them. Here, this (jenang), and kupat/.6 is a useful location rather than ambeng.

Ambengan (Tumpeng). Porridge (jenang). Ambengan is about Ambeng Rice. Jenang in Javanese society has is often served communal taken root since the Hindu era. Jenang dining-style on a platter to be shared tradition also existed during the Walisongo era even today. 6 Newberry, Jan. "Rituals of Rule in the Jenang is always present as a Administered Community: The Javanese Slametan symbol of gratitude to God. In all rituals of Reconsidered." ModernAsian Studies. Published selametan (salvation) for Javanese people online January 2007 and surrounding areas, typical food in the According to Javanese traditions, form of jenang is always present. the Indonesian tradition7 was first Jenang is generally made from rice started when , one of Wali flour or sticky rice flour and then cooked Songo of in 15th-century Java, calls with and added brown sugar for the Muslims to elevate the perfection or white sugar. of their Ramadhan fast by asking The typical food is a symbol of forgiveness and forgiving others' prayer, hope, unity and spirit of the wrongdoings. The tradition on preparing Javanese people. and consuming ketupat or kupat in Slamet Raharjo, protector of the during lebaran is Indonesian Jenang Foundation, said that believed to be introduced by Raden Mas sociologically jenang is a type of culinary Sahid or , one of Wali that is born from the creativity of the Songo (nine Muslim saints) that spread community. Islam in Java. Jenang, continued Slamet, is free Sunan Kalijaga introduced the from the attributes of social and ethnic lebaran ketupat ritual on 8 Shawwal, a status, aka democratic, egalitarian, week after Eid ul-Fitr and a day after a six- spiritual and religious. day Shawwal fast. It is believed that it Food is present in many events, for contains appropriate symbolism; kupat example salvation for pregnant women means ngaku lepat or "admitting one's will be equipped with procotan jenang. mistakes" in Javanese language, in Likewise, when giving a name to a baby accordance to asking for forgiveness after birth, it is made a good luck. tradition during lebaran. Selametan (Salvation) after the The crossed weaving of palm wedding ceremony in the hope that the leaves symbolises mistakes and sins bride and the entire committee will always committed by human beings, and the inner be healthy, get blessings and strength, will whitish rice symbolise purity and be equipped with sungsum. deliverance from sins after observing It has become a character for Ramadhan fast, prayer and rituals. Other humans, especially , besides than Java, the tradition on consuming that they like to receive gifts, they also like ketupat during Eid ul-Fitr is also can be giving to others. Even though they might found throughout Indonesia; from only be given, but never give. They , , , Nusa seemed to be if they were only always Tenggara. invited to selametan (salvation), but never Kupat or ketupat8 ingredients are invited salvation. very simple. Ketupat, which is rather Thus, those people who do not give decent, can be quite two tablespoons of can also enjoy giving deeds, as gift is in rice. Other than that, every year, if we save the form of porridge (jenang). The ketupat, it means we give a warning to our porridge seems appropriate, also the neighbors to stay united. capital is very simple. If a kilogram of rice If two spoons of rice can be is used as rice, it is only enough for six divorced, so it cannot be united. Thus people, but if it is distributed porridge it can be enough for fifteen to twenty people. 7 Jay Akbar. 2013. "Mengunyah Sejarah Ketupat" If the rice is at least, it must be delivered (in Indonesian). Historia. Retrieved 1 July 2013 by side dishes, but enough porridge is delivered with old coconut and Javanese 8 Panca Nugraha and Suherdjoko (5 August 2014). sugar. "Muslims celebrate Lebaran Ketupat a week after Idul Fitri". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 22 January Kupat or ketupat (Sticky Rice) 2015 gathering becomes a heavy object which is because it comes from Hindu/Buddha not understanding, why does a mindful culture. human being not be able to be united in a Actually, asking for a prayer from framework of diamonds. someone who is righteous (who is more From that statement, it can be seen likely to be granted a prayer) is fine, even that salvation activities have nothing to do if praying alone is more important, with Islam because salvation is a legacy because by praying alone means he is from the Hindu tradition. That has been worshiping and will be rewarded. attached to the Javanese tradition. While Praying on your own also fosters salvation is a lot of definitions given, the an attitude of khudhu 'and khusyu' to point is to ask for prayer to be given Allah, and fosters great hope in Him. fluency, blessing, success in what is lived While asking for prayers to others, usually, either in the form of business, business, only relying on the prayers of others while working out of the area, going on Hajj, there is no more change in this person. going to marry, occupying a new house, The subject matter is in the form or and others. procedure of praying in the salvation Thus, there are no significant earlier. Namely with celebrations and obstacles, unexpected, and beyond the calling people to ask for prayer without reach of abilities that hinder the journey looking at the piety of the people present. ahead. The implementation is usually in And this way has never been an example the form of a celebration ceremony by of the best generation of this people. inviting many people from relatives, close It is feared that this includes part of friends, surrounding communities, and the creation of new cases in Islam which also by inviting orphans. includes acts of sin. Then, the question is This kind of form was never what prayer should be read specifically. exemplified by the Prophet sallallaahu We can answer it with: there are no 'Alaihi Wasallam, the friends and previous demands for special prayers to be read in scholars. From here, it appears that there selametan (salvation). Why is that so? are actually a lot of Hindu cultures that Because there is no example from Islam exist in Islamic culture. leader, the Prophet Muhammad and Because there is a process of friends, Tabi'in. They never teach bout cultural acculturation, then Islam coming selametan (salvation). They just teach into Indonesia has been through artistic about Al-Qur’an, which contains Allah channels. Besides the acculturation process S.W.T messages. is also a part of assimilation in Islamic If you call them to be pleased with culture based on integration of Hindu eating and compensation, this is fine and culture with Islamic culture. it's the best. Yet, if we get something by We can live within in that circle reading in certain (special) reading that because we have filter to eliminate the seems to be a part of routine worship, that culture so well. Therefore, it breaks the is what there is no guidance. The guidance culture of what we have. itself is delivered by Allahhu Ta'ala Wallahu'. E. CONCLUSIONS Every religion has its own Based on the discussion and results characteristic and method. Yet, their above, it can be concluded that selametan vission and mission is to worship to God (salvation) is a part of prayer, but is Al Mighty, who creates eevery creature in wrapped in a celebration in the form of the universe. Thus diversity is very calling people. beautiful if we can respect and care to each Selametan (salvation) is not a part other. of Islam religion and also Islam culture, Being respectful is also mentioned Prawiro, A.M.B. 2016. Reception through in Al-Qur’an, surah Al-Kafirun verse 6: selection-modification: antropologi .hukum Islam di Indonesia َلكُ ْم ِدينُكُ ْم َو ِل َي ِدي ِن ﴿٦﴾ Means that: : Deepublish. “For you, your religion, and for me, my religion” Sugiyono. 2015. Metode Penelitian Based on that surah above, Allah Pendidikan: Pendekatan Kualitatif, tells that every Islam followers must give Kuantitatif, dan R&D. : Alfabeta. their respect to keep peacefullness in their livinghood and environment. Yusuf and Toet. 2014. Indonesia has Moreover, Islam also has taught stories. Jakarta: Penerbit Cerdas about sharing, caring, loving, and Interaktif. spreading peacefull life to others. Islam teaches its followers based on Al-Qur’an Journal Articles and Hadist. The hadists are coming from Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. Then, Islam Beatty, Andrew. "Adam and Eve and also believes that Sadaqah can clean all Vishnu: Syncretism in the Javanese sins rather than to do selametan Slametan" The Journal of the Royal (salvation). Anthropological Institute, Vol. 2, Hence, Indonesia has very diverse No. 2 (Jun., 1996), pp. 271-288. cultures and traditions. The majority of Indonesians are Muslims; therefore, Hambal, Muhammad. 2015. “Deresan” Indonesia has the largest Muslim Program the Mastery of Arabic- population in the world. Indonesia Classic Book at Pondok Muslims can be separated from their own Karangasem cultures and traditions, many of them are Lamongan Indonesia. still using their cultures and tradition to Journal of Social Sciences and worship to Allah S.W.T. Whether it is not Humanities, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. mentioned and taught in Islam, but if it is 125-130 good and positive, it can be used for them. We cannot measure it as good or Heriyono (7 August 2013). "Idul Fitri, wrong. Your judgement is based on your Kenapa Muslim di Indonesia thought, no one is true. The truth is only in Makan Ketupat?". Aktual.co (in Allah Ta’alla. Indonesian). Aktual.co. Archived from the original on 24 August REFERENCES 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013. Books Fischer, H. TH. 1953. Pengantar Jay Akbar. 2013. "Mengunyah Sejarah Anthropologi Kebudayaan Ketupat" (in Indonesian). Indonesia, terj. Anas Makruf. Historia. Retrieved 1 July 2013. Jakarta: Pustaka Sardjana Newberry, Jan. 2007. "Rituals of Rule in Geertz, Clifford. 1960. The Religion of the Administered Community: The Java . Glencoe. Illinois: The Free Javanese Slametan Press. Reconsidered." ModernAsian Studies. Published online January Koentjaraningrat. 1984. Kebudayaan 2007. Jawa. Jakarta: Balai Pustaka. Panca Nugraha and Suherdjoko (5 August 2014). "Muslims celebrate Lebaran Ketupat a week after Idul Fitri". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 22 January 2015.

Woodward, Mark R.. "The "Slametan": Textual Knowledge and Ritual Performance in Central Javanese Islam." History of Religions, Vol. 28, No. 1 (Aug., 1988), pp. 54-89