Religious Activities Research Articles

Exploring Forms and Practices of Menstruation in the Changing Social System: A Study of Suryabinayak-05, Katunje, Bhaktapur

Menstruation forms and practices with restriction have a long history not only in a single culture and region but in various religions and cultures may vary according to the level of their cultural norms, values and superstitions. The aim of the study is to explore the forms of practices of menstruation in the changing Nepali society. The qualitative data were collected from the Suryabinayak-05, Katunje, Bhaktapur district. All total 10 potential research participants were selected for in-depth interview along with non-participant observation in the field. The study indicates that the women from Brahmin and Chhetri community affiliated to Hindu religion are practicing almost all forms of discrimination due to menstruation. Stay in a separate room, eating in a separate room, bathing in separate bathroom, be away from social activities and not participate in religious activities. This discrimination should be addressed through awareness programs in the community.

Girmitiya lives: experiences of Dalit labourers under indenture

ABSTRACT This paper examines the experience of Dalit labourers from India to the sugar colonies under the indenture system. Historiography on the girmitiya diaspora has homogenized the experience of Indian labourers, neglecting variations among different caste groups. Focusing on Dalit labourers, this paper argues that plantation life improved their sociocultural and economic standing by emphasizing on the accomplishment of the task than on the caste system prevalent in India. The plantation system facilitated mobility for Dalit labourers by removing caste barriers, enabling mingling, marriage, and a reduction in caste identities through employment. While economic mobility was not universal, the absence of rigid caste hierarchies in the plantation context fostered a more fluid and open social environment for communal and religious activities.

Reinforcement of Pancasila Student Profile Through Religious Activities at Al-Islam Modern Islamic Boarding School, Nganjuk

This study aims to examine the role of religious activities in strengthening the character of students summarized in the Pancasila Student Profile. The method used is descriptive qualitative with the type of field research. Observation, interviews, document analysis, and documentation were used to collect data during the research. This study has concluded that Al-Islam Modern Islamic Boarding School offers a diverse range of activities imbued with religious values. The activities in question are as follows: fardu prayers in congregation, sorogan Al-Quran, reading Al-Quran, Duha prayers in congregation, recitation of kitab kuning (turath), KBM (teaching and learning activities), takror (repeated learning), Muhadlarah, scouts, Roan (mass cleaning), tahlil reading, Maulid Barzanji, pilgrimage to the grave of the founder of Pesantren, various competitions, PHBI (Commemoration of Islamic Holidays), hiking, wade game, and holy journey. The findings of research indicate that religious activities at Al-Islam Modern Islamic Boarding School contribute to the strengthening of the Pancasila Student Profile of the students. This can be observed in various aspects of the Pancasila Student Profile, as illustrated by these religious activities, including faith, fear of God Almighty, noble character, and cooperation. The dimensions of faith and morals towards nature become more robust as a result of these activities, while the cooperation dimension is reinforced through collaboration and a sense of caring.

Understanding How Religiousness Shapes Perceptions of Compulsive Sexual Behavior

In the present study, we test the model of moral incongruence by examining whether moral disapproval of pornography mediates the relationship between organizational religious activity and self-reported CSB and whether the frequency of viewing pornography moderates the relationship between moral disapproval and self-reported CSB in two samples: a general population sample and a sample of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”). Analyses revealed that, among both samples, frequency of pornography viewing moderated the indirect effect of organizational religious activity on perceived CSB via morally disapproving of pornography. Specifically, moral disapproval of pornography mediated the relationship between organizational religious activity and compulsive sexual behavior when participants viewed pornography approximately monthly or more (mean and +1 SD among the general population sample, +1 SD among the Latter-day Saint sample). Findings suggest that individuals who attend worship services more frequently are more likely to perceive their pornography viewing as compulsive at higher frequencies of usage – even when their frequency of pornography viewing is unlikely to be associated with actual functional impairment – and that this distress is better understood in relation to experiences of moral incongruence.

Urban Churches Show an Increase in Attendance, Donations, and Finances During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the USA: Evidence from the United Methodist Church

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on religion and its practice. This paper aims to examine how the pandemic affects religious activities, donations, and finances over time and across regions within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the USA. To address this question, we analyze survey data collected during the pandemic from 2963 churches in the USA by United Methodist Communications. Our analysis utilizes several quantitative techniques, including Z-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multinomial logistic regressions. The results indicate a decrease in church attendance over time, with a more pronounced effect observed in non-urban areas (suburban, small town, and rural). Similarly, while church donations and finances mitigate over time across churches, churches in urban areas experience a quicker rebound compared to those in non-urban areas. Lastly, we find that church attendance and donations positively affect finances. These findings hold important implications for churches in various regions, offering insights to develop strategies for navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Islamic Religious Development Model to Develop Students' Character at MAN 1 Mojokerto

The Religious Development Model is very important to apply in madrasas to be able to develop the character of students by trying to educate, guide, practice, develop, and supervise students to form good personal character following Islamic teachings. Implementing a model of religious formation, it will greatly influence the formation of students' character, which requires special guidance to avoid character deviations. This research aims to analyze the implementation of the Islamic religious formation model at MAN 1 Mojokerto and to analyze the implications of the Islamic religious formation model for developing the character of students at MAN 1 Mojokerto. By using qualitative research and a case study approach. Data collection techniques use interviews, observation, and documentation. The data sources are informants who are directly involved in implementing religious activities, namely the head of the madrasah, the Religious Development Coordinator, Teachers, and Students. Results from this research: First, the implementation of the religious formation model at MAN 1 Mojokerto uses a structural and mechanical model with the religious formation activities implemented namely carrying out congregational prayers, Tahlil, Istighosah, and Shalawatan, joint prayer, Tahfid Al-Qur'an, evening recitations, and activities to commemorate Islamic holidays. Apart from being carried out through the learning process in the subjects of Aqidah Akhlak, Fiqh, Skiing, and Al-Qur'an Hadith, religious formation is also carried out through extracurricular activities such as tahfidz, banjari, and remas (mosque youth). Second, the implications of the Islamic religious formation model for developing the character of students at MAN 1 Mojokerto include: a) The structural model has implications for strong Islamic character and exemplary educators with the emergence of religious character values, discipline and responsibility. b) The mechanical model has implications for developing attitudes of obedience and discipline, forming ethics and morals, strengthening social skills, forming a leadership spirit, and forming spiritual independence with the emergence of religious character values, honesty, discipline, hard work, tolerance, social care, friendship, feeling. curious, democratic, responsible, and independent in worship.

Empowerment to Increase the Human Capital of Female Fishermen Through Non-Formal Education

Fisherwomen, as agents of change, have an important role in developing a quality next generation in the economic and domestic fields. Their involvement in religious activities and training shows a significant impact in empowering and developing fishing communities. This research aims to analyze how the empowerment of female fishermen can be carried out through non-formal education and training to improve the quality of human capital. This research uses a qualitative approach with a gap analysis method. Data was collected through interviews and observations related to the women fishermen empowerment program. The research results show that female fishermen play an important role in developing human resources through religious and ethical education, with support from the Ministry of Religion and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Limited religious and social insight can be overcome through non-formal education, which emphasizes character-building and local wisdom. The importance of a holistic approach involving intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects (IQ, EQ, and SQ) is emphasized in the education and empowerment of female fishermen. Local wisdom and cultural values are key factors in encouraging social cohesion and the effectiveness of empowerment programs. This research suggests that empowering female fishermen must involve more than just increasing IQ, by utilizing technology and the internet to optimize their potential in developing fishing communities.

Language and Cultural Identity: Cross-Cultural Communications Among the Vernacular Communities in the West Kalimantan-Sarawak Border Region in Indonesia

In border areas, multi-ethnic communities may experience both positive and negative impacts of being in a border area. On the one hand, being in a border area has a unique beneficial effect since traveling overseas is now easy and affordable. People move across the borders. However, on the other hand, there can be negative impacts because they are prone to conflicts due to several factors, such as differences in language, culture, social aspects, politics as well as economic differences. In this context, the language identity of multiethnic communities in the Kalimantan-Sarawak border area in Indonesia can be seen in the language situation and the factors that influence it. This research examines this issue. The study uses a qualitative method. Data collection employs surveys, observations, interviews and focus group discussions. As techniques. The findings demonstrate that: multi-ethnic communities in border areas are often bilingual. They have the abilities to speak languages other than their own ethnic language; they also exhibit flexibility in cross-language interactions; and the linguistic situation in border areas, particularly regional languages is preserved in families, homogeneous environments, traditional ceremonies, and religious activities. A linguistic identity is characterized by a strong sense of ethnicity: ethnic culture, regional geography, social groups, family and surroundings, regional history, education, as well as economic activities. These are aspects that influence the linguistic identity of the multiethnic population in the West Kalimantan-Sarawak border region in Indonesia.

Adolescent Mental Health Therapy through the Application of Islamic Religious Education

The aim of this research is to explore mental health therapy through aspects of religious life. This research is included in the type of descriptive qualitative research. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews and document analysis. The research subjects involved the school principal, Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teacher, Guidance Counseling (BK) teacher, and two students. The data analysis techniques used include data reduction, data presentation and verification. Based on research, it is known that religious life can be a mental health therapy for students at SMK N 38 Jakarta. Religious activities carried out at the school include dhuha prayers, dhuhur prayers in congregation and reading yasin. From the results of interviews with students, the author found that participating in religious activities carried out by the school provided comfort to the souls of students at SMK N 38 Jakarta.

Residents’ Satisfaction with Neighbourhood Socio-economic Environment of the Public Sector Employee Housing Schemes in Lagos State, Nigeria

One of the major strategies implemented by both the private and public sectors in the provision of mass housing for their workers in Nigeria is the employee housing scheme. However, not much is known about the occupants’ satisfaction with neighborhood Socio-economic environment of housing provided through this scheme in a large metropolitan area such as Lagos State, where several housing estates have been developed under this scheme. Satisfaction with neighborhood socio-economic environment in nine public-sector employee housing estates in Lagos State, Nigeria was explored. A cross-sectional survey research design involving quantitative research approach was adopted. The survey was carried out between September, 2020 and March, 2021. Using Stratified Sampling, the estates/locations were grouped into Local government areas. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the local governments areas. Also, purposive technique was used to select 688 housing units in the nine purposively selected housing estates. Out of 688 questionnaires administered, about 500 copies of the administered questionnaire were correctly filled and returned by the participants and the information were subjected to descriptive statistics. Statistical package for Social Science(SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The results pointed out that the key respondents were most pleased with the extent of safe keeping of lives and property in the estate, outdoor air quality in the estate, extent of religious activities in the estate and least pleased with extent of collective activities in the estate, extent of noise in the housing estates and price of services and goods within and around the estate. Therefore, to improve neighborhood socio-economic environment satisfaction, residents in public sector employee housing schemes should give priority attention to the key features that ensure residents’ satisfaction in existing and future housing projects.

THE EFFECT OF PUSH & PULL FACTORS ON HALAL TOURISM ON THE MOTIVATION OF MALAYSIAN TOURIST TO INDONESIA USING RELIGIOSITY AS A MODELING VARIABLE

Based on the inbound country in the last five years, Timor Leste is in the top position for tourists entering Indonesia. Meanwhile, Malaysia, the neighboring country with the largest number of Muslims, occupies the second position. This condition is not necessarily due to Indonesia's potential to attract Muslims as a Halal Tourism destination. Aligned with the condition, based on BPS data & the Ministry of Tourism, in 2019 there were more than 15 million tourists coming to Indonesia, 22% of whom were Muslims. This number is less than Muslim tourists who come to neighboring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Turkey. Therefore, in this study will be examined regarding Motivation and Intentions to Travel, especially for prospective Malaysian tourists to Indonesia. The independent variables in this study are Pull Factor Motivation (X1), Push Factor Motivation (X2) and Religiosity (X3). Religiosity (X3) is also a moderating variable in its effect on the motivation of Malaysian tourists to Indonesia. The dependent variable in this study is the Motivation of Malaysian Tourists (Y), which can be measured by various dimensions in the instrument of Indonesia as a tourist destination. The research results show that the push and pull factor do not have a direct influence on the motivation of Malaysian tourists but has an indirect effect on religiosity as a moderate variable. The religiosity variable with indicators of religious beliefs, principles and activities directly influences the motivation of Malaysian tourists to Indonesia. Based on the research result, religiosity influences the motivation of Malaysian tourists to come to Indonesia. For this reason, the Government needs to consider aspects of religiosity in the promotion strategy and services for foreign tourists, especially Malaysian tourists.

Dinamika Dagang dan Tasawuf Ekonomi Warga Keturunan Banjar di Tulunggagung

Dinamika Dagang dan Tasawuf Ekonomi Warga Keturunan Banjar di Tulunggagung

Pendampingan Pembelajaran Ghorib Walmuskilat bagi Pembina Taman Pendidikan al-Qur’an (TPQ)

Education is an important factor in the advancement of a people to eliminate ignorance. One of the main keys to eliminating ignorance is to read more, especially if it is related to the Qur'an, a holy book of Muslims who should not be mistaken to take advantage of it. Therefore, this is where the importance of a teacher to accompany learning activities related to the Qur'an. At TPQ Al Muttaqiin, there is very little litration of learning or knowledge related to the Qur'an because there are no competent teachers to teach. This is where we finally promote learning that is suitable for them, namely by learning Ghorib Walmuskilat with the ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) approach used to utilize the potential of the community in implementing the program. Through these steps, it is hoped that the existence of mentors in the hamlet can increase understanding, broaden horizons, and have a positive impact on local religious activities.

Social participation and its gender differences among ethnic minority elders after poverty alleviation relocation (Linxia, China)

AbstractThe implementation of the poverty alleviation relocation policy in northwestern minority areas of China has had a significant impact on the production and living spaces of residents. Our investigation and research have shown that the social participation of ethnic minorities is influenced not only by their social and cultural norms but also to a large extent by public policies. China’s policy of relocating people to alleviate poverty has indirectly affected the social participation of elderly ethnic minorities through the relocation of households and the reconstruction of community living spaces and infrastructure. On the one hand, the family production of elders has decreased significantly, while the number of elders participating in housework and leisure activities has increased. On the other hand, although the relocation has accelerated the modernization process in ethnic minority areas, the market work of elders who aged over 50 has not increased much to compensating the job losses. As a result, the overall productivity of the elderly has declined, and their social participation has weakened. Elderly men have been more affected by social changes than elderly women and have borne more adaptation pressures. There are significant differences in leisure activities between elderly men and women. Ethnic and religious activities have remained largely unchanged, while social activities are insufficient and may not promote good health. It is important to encourage elderly individuals, particularly men, to acquire marketable skills and assist them in finding employment. Additionally, promoting social activities for elder individuals can help create a more harmonious community.

Impact of COVID-19 on celebration of death, mortuary, and funerary customs in Bangladesh: A qualitative study

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions significantly impacted religious activities related to death celebrations, mortuary practices, and funerary rituals in Bangladesh. Bereaved families faced a harsh reality, unable to perform the full rituals for their loved ones due to the pandemic outbreak. This study explores the adjustments and modifications made in cultural rituals and how they affected bereaved families and close relatives. ObjectiveThis study aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the observance of death rituals in Bangladesh and the effects on bereaved families and close relatives. MethodsThis study employed a qualitative approach and gathered data through 3 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 58 in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted between December 2020 and January 2021. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from three distinct groups: (1) individuals who had experienced the death of a relative during the pandemic, (2) caregivers who provided support to those experiencing loss, and (3) volunteers actively involved with funeral and burial services. This selection strategy ensured a diverse range of perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on death rituals. ResultsThe pandemic forced people to observe funerals or make significant sacrifices to traditional practices reluctantly. Disruptions to long-standing traditions and widespread emotional toll were as various segments of society struggled to find closure in saying goodbye to loved ones. Due to the severity of the pandemic, people became heavily reliant on priests, crematorium workers, and funeral volunteers for mortuary services. Both Hindu and Muslim religions discouraged family gatherings during post-burial rituals. The fear of contracting the virus further limited bereaved families’ ability to bid farewell to their deceased loved ones properly. ConclusionThis research highlights the profound impact of the pandemic on death rituals and the resulting emotional distress for bereaved families in Bangladesh. The findings are pivotal in guiding the development of concrete policies for future pandemic preparedness and response. Such policies might encompass guidelines for safe and culturally sensitive mortuary practices, psychosocial support and grief counseling initiatives for affected communities, and strategies to mitigate religious anxieties during public health emergencies.

Rerajahan Aesthetics as an Idea for Creating Painting Works

This independent study report raises the theme of Rerajahan Aesthetics as an Idea for Creating Painting Works, starting from raising ideas around rerajahan. All aspects of Balinese life are imbued with Hinduism, which indirectly gives birth to a socio-religious culture. Various cultural elements were born due to the demands of religious needs. Art as an element of culture was also born due to the demands of religious activities. This has encouraged the creation of various forms of symbolic-magical art which are representations of something abstract. One of them is in the form of pictures or writing which is commonly called Rerajahan. For the Balinese people, rerajahan, apart from being a means of religious ceremonies, is also believed to have very high supernatural powers. This believed power functions as a means of suggestion to achieve certain desires or goals. In this case, the effect of rerajahan is that it is able to become a source of ideas for artists in creating modern works of art without abandoning the traditional values behind it. Rerajahan is also a very inspiring work of traditional art, and a source of ideas for some Balinese artists in creating individual works.

When Faith and Health Collide: Expressions of Faith Over the Dangers of COVID-19 by Selected Flagellants in the Philippines.

For almost three years, the COVID-19 pandemic seriously affected society. Mass gatherings were restricted during the surge, including religious activities and other public practices. However, some Filipinos opted to continue their panata (sacred vow) of self-flagellation during this health crisis, thus putting themselves at risk of being inflicted with the virus or being a spreader. This article explores the experience of selected flagellants who continued to fulfill their religious practice amid the pandemic. It draws inspiration from their narratives about their personal experiences of how they faced, struggled, and hoped to battle the "unseen" virus and the criticisms of others for what they did. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), their interview transcripts elicit three recurrent themes: Suffering leads to finding God for support, sacred vow as unity to Christ's suffering, and spiritual reward over physical pain. These themes cancontribute to future research on how opposing parties should negotiate when faith and health conflict.

THE URGENCY OF IMPLEMENTING FAITH EDUCATION IN CHILDREN

The decline in religious activity among young people in many countries and the influence of secularization in today's culture highlight the urgency of faith education. Data shows a trend of declining religious involvement among younger generations, and in some communities, the challenges of maintaining faith in an increasingly secular culture are becoming more pronounced. Harvey Cox proposed the concept of secularization as liberation from the influence of religion and metaphysical thought, with an emphasis on the difference between secularization and secularism. This approach creates space for a deeper understanding of religious values and the application of these values in everyday life. Faith education is the key to overcoming this challenge. In the Islamic context, faith education helps bridge the gap between secularization and religious values, enabling young generations to understand and integrate their beliefs in the context of an increasingly secular world. This approach is not just about replacing religion but rather about developing freer thinking in living the world. Keywords: Islamic faith education, secularism, social problems

VIRTUAL INTERACTION IN ONLINE ISLAMIC RECITATION

Covid 19 Pandemic restricts public sphere, and make a significant change in every sector of society life. Also in religious activity, include recitation activity for Moslem people. Since public restriction policy applied in Jakarta by the government, Majelis Taklim (MT) Tazkiyatun Nafs transform the recitation acktivity in to virtual sphere by using zoom application. The communication pattern also changes in to virtual interaction which meaning trough some process. The process consists of perception, role taking, and meaning of symbols in online recitation. This research uses qualitative approach with netnography method. The techniques of this research consist of file data, elicited data, dan field note. The results are perception process based on the interpretation of spiritual need and pandemic situation influence the action to participated in online recitation. The role taking reflected based on the participant interpretation in social structure. The meaning of symbols process influenced by role taking. For communicator the process occurred inside and outside virtual room, while for communicant the process occurred outside the virtual room.

Management of Religious Activities at Thoyyibah Mosque, Banyuanyar

This research aims to determine and describe the management of religious activities, along with the supporting and inhibiting factors of religious activities carried out at the Thoyyibah Banyuanyar Mosque. This research is qualitative, using a phenomenological research approach. The data sources in this research use primary and secondary data sources. The primary data sources referred to are the chairman of the takmir and the missionary of the Thoyyibah Mosque, while the secondary data sources are data in the form of documents. The data analysis technique in this research uses the analysis model according to Miles and Huberman, namely data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The validity of the data in this research uses two types of triangulation, namely source triangulation and technique triangulation. The results of this research show that there are various kinds of religious activities carried out at the Thoyyibah Mosque, including routine recitations and community markets, while strengthening its activities by carrying out management functions including planning, organising, implementing, and supervising. The supporting factors for managing religious activities include funding sources, the strategic location of the mosque, community enthusiasm, and cooperation with mosque administrators. The inhibiting factors are the mosque's parking space, which is not spacious enough, and mosque youth, who do not contribute enough to participate in activities.