TRADISI SLAMETAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF ‘URF DAN HUKUM ISLAM PADA MASYARAKAT JAWA

Abstract

The slametan tradition is one of the indigenous cultural practices that continues to be preserved by Javanese Muslim communities and has undergone a process of acculturation with Islamic teachings. However, its legal status remains a subject of debate among Muslim scholars. Some regard slametan as an expression of gratitude, charity, and social solidarity that is consistent with Islamic values, while others argue that certain practices still contain elements inconsistent with Islamic principles. This article aims to examine the legal status of the slametan tradition from the perspectives of ‘urf  (customary practice) and Islamic law by determining whether it qualifies as ‘urf  ṣaḥīḥ (valid custom) or ‘urf  fāsid (invalid custom). This research employs normative legal research using conceptual and sociological approaches through library research. The analysis is conducted descriptively and qualitatively by utilizing the theory of ‘urf  as the primary analytical framework, supported by Living Law theory and the theory of cultural acculturation. The study concludes that slametan fulfills the characteristics of ‘urf  because it has been continuously practiced, socially accepted, and transmitted across generations within Javanese society. Nevertheless, its legal validity depends on the substance of its implementation. The tradition may be categorized as ‘urf  ṣaḥīḥ when performed solely as an act of gratitude to Allah, accompanied by prayers, charity, and social solidarity without containing elements of polytheism, superstition, or harmful practices. Conversely, practices involving beliefs contrary to Islamic monotheism are classified as ‘urf  fāsid and therefore cannot be justified under Islamic law.