Continuity and change process to sanctify the holy month of Muharram in the Suroan tradition

Abstract

AbstractSacralizing the holy month of Muharram in Java or Suroan tradition (because Muharram is called Suro in the Islamic Javanese Calendar) is unique. However, the historical process of sanctification of Muharram and its rituals have not been studied in depth. This library research focused on the historical process of continuity and change in the Suroan. It used relevant references to make a historical explanation through the theory of continuity and change that confirms the dynamic power of Islam in dealing with various situations. It is also guided by the perspective of Miles and Huberman in data selection, data presentation, and conclusion. Finally, this paper revealed that the unchanging religious aspect in the Suroan is represented by the religious spirit of sanctifying Muharram, which has not changed from the pre-Islamic period to the present. The changing aspect is demonstrated by specific rituals commemorating the month of Muharram, manifested in its obligations and prohibitions to gain salvation and avoid bad luck. It began on 8 July 1633 AD (1 Muharram 1043 AH) with converting of the Hinduistic Saka Calendar into the Islamic Javanese Calendar by the King of Islamic Mataram, Sultan Agung, after integrating it with the Islamic Hijri Calendar. This paper asserts that the continuity and change process in the Suroan occurred through the acculturation of Islam and Javanese culture because of the openness of Islamic teachings and the adaptability of Javanese culture to external elements.

Keywords

• Continuity and change process
• Sultan Agung
• Islamic Mataram Kingdom
• month of Muharram
• Ashura
• Javanese Suroan