GORONTALO WOMEN’S BE’ATI (BAI’AT): The Perspective of History, Culture and Islamic Law

Abstract

This paper discusses the tradition of Bai’at (be'ati) or initiation for a teenage girl after the arrival of the first menstruation in the traditional culture of Gorontalo. Through field studies by interviews, observation and study of documents, this research shows that the procession of the initiation ritual ceremony (mome'ati) is conducted in six stages, including: molungudu (sauna bath with traditional herbs), momonto (putting a red mark on the forehead), momuhuto (bathing with traditional herbs), mopohuta'a to pingge (stepping on a plate), mome'ati (initiation ritual) and mohatamu (completing the recitation of the Qur’an). The six be'ati rituals are loaded with moral values as a living guidance for the teenage girl. In the perspective of Islamic law philosophy, molungudu and momuhuto are aligned with the principle of benefit as they emphasize physical health and personal hygiene. In the fiqh category, both are included in the discourse of thahârah (cleanliness). Meanwhile, momonto and mopohuta'a to pingge emphasize the identity of the Muslim personality and the attitude of being careful in treading the teenage life. Both are included in the category of Islamic morality, since they are loaded with moral messages. Whereas, mome'ati emphasizes the practice of the pillars of Faith, the pillars of Islam, and obedience to both parents. As for mohatamu, it emphasizes the love for the Holy Qur'an. All stages in the be'ati ritual show the acculturation of Islam with the local culture of Gorontalo. Even, the be'ati tradition is the implementation of Islamic teachings through culture and customs ('urf).