The Dynamics of the Indonesian Hadramis on the Maulid Celebration

Abstract

This article seeks to explore the debate between two groups of Indonesian Hadhramis (Bā ‘Alawi and non-Sayyid) concerning the maulid celebration. It is based on a qualitative research study. The data was collected through a combination of library research and field study. The fieldwork was completed in Surakarta by observing the maulid celebration of the Bā ‘Alawi community in the city. The study results show the debate between the Sayyid and non-Sayyid communities surrounding the maulid has occurred since the early 20th century and continues until today. The first group, also known as the Bā ‘Alawi, have consistently supported the maulid practice since the early 20th century, starting with the establishment of Jamiat Khair to several Bā ‘Alawi preachers such as the ones in the Riyadh Mosque in Surakarta that are explained in this text. Regarding the second group, the maulid is promoted by the Al-Irsyad faction, which do not condemn the maulid but only criticize some practices within the celebration they regard as bid’a. In the present day, Al-Irsyad is separated into two groups: Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiyah and the Salafis of Perhimpunan al-Irsyad. This article finds that the former preserves the old stance of the organization regarding the maulid. However, the latter has a stricter teaching on the maulid, stating it is bid’a and recommends its members and followers not to practice it.

Keywords

• the maulid celebration, hadrami, bā ‘alawi, al-irsyad, debate