Adzan Pitu? Syncretism or religious tradition: Research in Sang Cipta Rasa Cirebon mosque

Wawan Hermawan,Linda Eka Pradita

doi:10.4102/hts.v76i3.5283

Abstract

Adzan Pitu is one form of the legacy of Syarif Hidayatullah in spreading Islam in Cirebon. One of the ways in which Sunan Gunung Jati spread Islam is by building mosques. The construction of the Sang Cipta Rasa mosque aims to centre the spread of Islam in Cirebon and surrounding areas. A Mosque is symbolised not only as a place of worship but also as a place of studying Islam. This is what underlies the construction of the Sang Cipta Rasa mosque by Syarif Hidayatullah which is now in the Kasepuhan palace complex in Cirebon. The noble goal is constrained by the evil intentions of the Mataram envoy who wished to thwart the construction of the mosque. Until today, when the People of Cirebon are affected by an epidemic such as measles, they have to perform Adzan Pitu to repel the outbreak and sacrifices as a condition to purify the spell that was spread by the envoy of Mataram. Adzan Pitu is a call to prayer with seven people at the same time. It is a form of mixing of Islamic and Hindu culture. Adzan Pitu has character values in it, which include religious values, hard work and social care. The values contained in Adzan Pitu are a reflection of Syarif Hidayatullah’s struggle in spreading Islam in Cirebon. In addition, these values are also a legacy of Sunan Gunung Jati in an effort to increase the value of character for the nation’s next generation. Contribution: This article contributes from a multidisplinary theological perspective to hermeneutical studies behind philosophies related to the Abrahamic religions as expressed in the Qur’an.

Highlights

Oral tradition is the cultural wealth of the local community which is very important to be maintained in the midst of people who are familiar with technological progress
The difference only lies in the fact that our study discussed syncretism in the Adzan Pitu tradition at the Sang Cipta Rasa mosque and the character values contained therein, Daniel’s (2012) research focussed on Christian syncretism in Kenya
The difference lies in the fact that whilst our study focussed on Hindu beliefs in Islam and examined the character values contained in the tradition of Adzan Pitu, Umoh’s (2013) research revealed the existence of superstitious beliefs and syncretism that resulted in religious influences in Christianity or Islam in Africa

Summary

Introduction

Oral tradition is the cultural wealth of the local community which is very important to be maintained in the midst of people who are familiar with technological progress. The difference only lies in the fact that our study discussed syncretism in the Adzan Pitu tradition at the Sang Cipta Rasa mosque and the character values contained therein, Daniel’s (2012) research focussed on Christian syncretism in Kenya. The difference lies in the fact that whilst our study focussed on Hindu beliefs in Islam (sacrifices and mantras) and examined the character values contained in the tradition of Adzan Pitu, Umoh’s (2013) research revealed the existence of superstitious beliefs and syncretism that resulted in religious influences in Christianity or Islam in Africa.

FIGURE 1

Conclusion

Data availability statement