Religious Rituals Research Articles

Medical examiner service in children’s deaths: a survey of current practice in paediatric intensive care units in England and Wales

IntroductionA statutory system of medical examiners (ME) was introduced in England and Wales in September 2024. The next of kin will be given the opportunity to speak to the ME...

Nilai Islam dalam Tradisi Haul Masyarakat Muslim Desa Gubugsari

Haul tradition is one of the religious rituals that is still preserved by the Muslim community in Gubugsari village. Haul is a commemoration of the death of someone who is considered to have privileges, such as ulama, kiai, or respected community leaders. This ritual is generally carried out every year on the day of the death of the person being commemorated. In the context of Gubugsari village, the haul tradition has become an inseparable part of the life of the local Muslim community. This ritual is not only a form of respect for the commemorated person, but also a forum for the community to strengthen ties, strengthen religious identity, and preserve Islamic values that have taken root in local culture. As the haul tradition in the village of Gubugsari, Pegandon Subdistrict, Kendal Regency, which until now still carries out the haul tradition because the person who is honored is mbah Abdul Wahab as a respected figure by the Muslim community, especially in the village. To see the values of these traditions, researchers are interested in further examining the values of the haul tradition of cengklian and ndangdoan in the socio-religious life of the Candimulyo village community, Sedan sub-district, Rembang district. The method used in this research is qualitative method, data collection techniques in this research using observation, documentation and interviews. The subjects in this study were the people of Gubusari village, both those who joined the committee and those involved in the haul tradition event The results of this study indicate that the haul tradition has a form of a series of haul event contents, namely the practices performed during the pilgrimage as a medium for the tradition. The benefits of religious values are increasing our devotion to Allah SWT

Cultural Perspectives on Financial Accountability in a Balinese Traditional Village

Abstract This study aims to develop accountability practices that harmonize with the local spiritual culture in the Jimbaran traditional village. The current accountability practices are viewed not just as formal procedures but also as informal practices involving moral and ethical relationships with God. An ethnomethodological study integrated with Catur Marga culture as a critical perspective revealed the problem of delays in submitting accountability reports due to the shift in the cultural meaning of “ngayah” and the shift in the implementation of religious ceremonies from spiritual practices to more formal activities. These problems can be addressed by synergizing Catur Marga principles with accountability practices. First, involve community representatives, religious leaders, and traditional elders in the village's financial management, as in regular meetings to align the vision and mission to strengthen the “ngayah” motivation in governance and financial accountability. Second, the traditional village governments must consistently provide Dharmawacana and management accounting training to balance scientific knowledge with traditional spiritual–cultural knowledge. Last is the development of the Catur Marga-based Pararem, which regulates the technical aspects of financial management accountability and should be synchronized with the spirit of devotion to God to preserve the local spiritual culture in the Jimbaran traditional village.

Factors associated with six-minute walk distance among Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims

The Hajj pilgrimage is a physically demanding religious rite that is associated with the health status of pilgrims. Several factors are associated with functional limitations. We aimed to determine the relationship between clinical data and six-minute walk test (6-MWT) findings. The 6-MWT is a measure of functional capacity that is routinely applied to Indonesian pilgrim candidates before they embark on the Hajj. This cross-sectional study analysed Indonesian Hajj pilgrimage data obtained from 2,933 participants before their departure for the Hajj in 2022. The data included participants’ characteristics, laboratory results, and six-minute walk findings. The resulting aggregates were analysed using Pearson correlations. Serum creatinine significantly correlated with 6-MWT findings (r = 0.003; p <0.05). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) values and platelet counts were significantly associated with 6-MWT results (r = 0.101 and 0.038, respectively; p <0.05). Serum creatinine, LDL-C, and platelet values were associated with increased 6-MWT, indicating a correlation with functional capacity among Hajj pilgrims.

Makna Simbolik dalam Tradisi Adat Khatam Al-Qur’an Pada Acara Pernikahan Oleh Masyarakat Desa Sekernan Muaro Jambi

Every Muslim has various forms of interaction with the Qur'an. For example, the people of Sekernan Village make the recitation of khataman al-Qur'an part of the traditional wedding procession. In practice, this tradition has a unique procession that acculturates with local culture. Therefore, the community makes this tradition a religious ritual in the form of meaningful symbols that are believed to have a positive influence on the sustainability of building a household. So, this research aims to look at the procession and the meaning behind the practice. Using Clifford Geertz's theory, it is used as an analysis to find the meaning behind the symbols in the traditional tradition of khatam al-Qur'an. The results of this study show that there are several series of customs that must be carried out by the bride before reading the Qur'an. Among them are the procession of processions, weighing, then reading the khatam al-Qur'an starting from surah al-Duha to surah an-Nas accompanied by the Koran teacher and his parents. In addition, this tradition also has symbols that relate to the concept of religion, namely in the form of religious education, birrul walidain, and privileges that are believed to have ultimate meaning, so that it continues to be maintained to this day.

Exploration of the Reading of Surah Mu’awwidzatain at the Ashabul Yamin Lasi Tuo Pondok Pesantren: A Study of the Living Quran in the Context of Spiritual Development of Santri

This research focuses on the practice of articulating the al-Falaq and an-Naas at Pondok Pesantren Ashhabul Yamin Lasi Tuo, which has become an essential part of the santri spiritual lives. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data through direct observation, in-depth interviews with the santri and the managers of the wirid activities, and related documentation. Key informants in this study provide insights into how these surahs are integrated into daily routines and how this practice is embraced and understood by the madrasah community. The findings of this research reveal that the articulation of the mu’awwidzatain surahs at Pondok Pesantren Ashhabul Yamin has a significant impact on the spiritual development of the santri. This practice not only offers protection from external disturbances but also serves as a tool for developing inner strength, peace of mind, and discipline in daily life. Santri engaged in this practice shows improvements in focus, tranquillity, and determination, all of which are the results of deep reflection on the teachings of these surahs. However, this study also identifies some challenges in the implementation of this tradition, particularly in maintaining its consistency and relevance amid social and environmental changes. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of understanding the role of religious rituals in shaping the spiritual identity of santri in madrasah. Traditions such as the articulation of the mu’awwidzatain surahs should not only be seen as part of the religious curriculum but also as a vital means of instilling deep moral and spiritual values. Therefore, it is crucial to preserve and develop this tradition while adapting it to the dynamics and challenges faced in the modern era.

Smart village - new strategy for the development of Piniq’s reality

Finiq is an Albanian municipality located near the ancient city of Phoeniciae in southern Albania. It is located a few kilometres from the Greek border and a few kilometers from the Ionian Sea. Finiq is located almost at the foot of the slope of the hill on which this ancient city had developed, almost to represent its contemporary continuity. Many problems have plagued this village, including depopulation, isolation from the main roads of the region, and a loss of identity. Analyzing the city of Finiq, however, many resources can be used for greater enhancement of the municipality. What characterizes them is the strategic position close to the elongated and characteristic hill, from whose summit you can admire all the pan- orama, from the plain to the hills to Lake Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city of Phoinike has developed on top of the relief and is a settlement that finds its most accomplished monumental expression around the middle of the third century B.C. also becoming the capital of the region, of which today some traces remain, such as the cyclopean walls, the ancient entrance, the theatre. Among the most important archaeological emergencies of the area, in fact, there is the mon- astery of San Nicola, which stands on a hill, surrounded by the wide bend of the river Bistricta. The ancient complex included a large wall with seven watchtowers, of which today only a few traces remain. Within the walls survives only the Byzantine monument, still used by the community for the celebration of their religious rites. Other small villages were merged into the municipality of Finiq, such as Aliko, Dhiver, Livad- hja, and Mesopotam. Finiq and the other towns could be conceived from the perspective of a smart village, enhancing the strengths of rural reality, and starting a transformation from tourism: the naturalistic and historical cultural potential can allow the villages of the area to become an important attraction of the area, obtaining visibility and funding for its development. By smart village, we mean a rural area that, starting from its potential, tries to find solutions for its territory. At the basis of this challenge are the communities themselves that implement a series of strategies and shared projects to achieve a common goal: the development and growth of their rural area. In conclusion, this study aims to analyze other "smart" villages in Europe, which started from the enhancement of their heritage for the development of their area: each area is different from the others and each project is different from the others, but the common results are comparable. From these "case studies", it will be possible to under- stand how Finiq can become "smart", and which approach is needed to strengthen the area.

Humans and climate in ritualized landscapes, the case of Lake Tota in the eastern highlands of Colombia

Tota is an Andean lake located in the Altiplano of the Eastern Andes of Colombia where socio-politically hierarchical societies of the Herrera and Muisca, flourished for millennia. To them, the lake and surrounding forest were places used for diverse of activities including religious rituals. In this study we produced a multi-proxy paleolimnological reconstruction using diatoms, isotopes, and geochemistry, to try to understand the lake’s pathways of change in response to natural climatic variations and anthropogenic activities. The diatom record is dominated by tychoplanktonic Staurosirella dubia and planktonic Aulacoseira species including species A. cf lirata, A. granulata, A. distans, and A. ambigua. Diatoms were grouped into functional groups and used to infer limnological changes that were further complemented with the geochemistry of the sediments to reconstruct the past environment. Results show three main periods in which the lake changed significantly, these are dated from ~800 to 1200, 1200 to 1500, and 1500 to 1900 CE. A correlation with the archeological record of the region, ethnohistoric accounts and climate suggests that these changes occurred simultaneously with changes in archeological stages, the Spanish arrival, and more recently by the industrial revolution, and the Little Ice Age.

Evaluación del desempeño inicial de estacas y plántulas en una plantación de copales (<i>Bursera copallifera</i> y <i>B. bipinnata</i>)

Background: Copal is a resin that is used in religious and cultural ceremonies; it is extracted from Bursera bipinnata and Bursera copallifera, and obtained both from natural populations and maintained trees. Questions: What propagation method (rooted cuttings or seeds) is more suitable for each species? How is field performance in terms of survival and growth of rooted cuttings and seedlings for each species? Study species: Bursera bipinnata and B. copallifera Study site and dates: Santiago Tepetlapa, Morelos 2016-1018 Methods: Plants were propagated in 2015-2016. In 2016, 133 plants were planted: 42 rooted cuttings and 27 seedlings of B. bipinnata, and 26 and 38, respectively, of B. copallifera. Growth was evaluated for one year and survival for two years. Relative growth rate (RGR) was measured, as well as biomass allocation to different organs. Results: In B. bipinnata propagation by rooted cuttings is more feasible, and by seeds in B. copallifera. During the first-year rooted cuttings showed higher survival than seedlings, but in the second year it was higher in cuttings of B. bipinnata (65 %), than in all other plants (< 15 %). There were differences between species in final biomass allocation in rooted cuttings, but not in seedlings; there were no differences between species in RGR. Conclusions: Rooted cuttings showed a better performance than seedlings; especially those of B. bipinnata. These results can contribute to the establishment of plantations of these species in agroforestry systems and restoration.

Strategi Pemasaran Paket Ibadah Haji dan Umroh dalam Merekrut Jamaah di Kantor KBIH Kota Bogor

Hajj and Umrah are two significant religious rituals in Islam, holding profound spiritual and religious value for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage to be performed once in a lifetime by those who are financially and physically capable, whereas Umrah can be undertaken at any time as an opportunity to draw closer to Allah SWT. This study aims to explore the meaning and importance of Hajj and Umrah in the lives of Muslims. The research methodology employed is qualitative, involving the collection and analysis of various relevant sources such as the Quran, Hadith, and other Islamic literature. The findings reveal that Hajj and Umrah provide several primary benefits, including purification from sins, enhancement of faith and piety, and strengthening of global Muslim unity. Moreover, these rituals have significant social, economic, and cultural impacts on Muslim communities worldwide. In the context of globalization and modern technology, the practice of Hajj and Umrah has undergone significant development, enabling millions of Muslims from diverse countries to perform these rituals more conveniently and efficiently. This research is expected to deepen understanding of the significance of Hajj and Umrah in contemporary Muslim life and contribute to enriching existing Islamic literature.

Edukasi Bacaan dan Gerakan Sholat dalam Meningkatkan Pemahaman Ibadah Anak

Prayer is one of the five important pillars of Islam. This is an obligation that must be fulfilled by humans as a form of worship to Allah. Prayer is not only a religious ritual, but also a way to achieve the goal of perfect worship, by fulfilling the conditions, harmony, and sunnah, and avoiding anything that could cancel it. Even though prayer is not an obligation for young children such as those who have not reached puberty, parents have the responsibility to introduce prayer and other forms of worship from an early age. This research aims to explore the effectiveness of an educational program that focuses on teaching reading and prayer movements for children at TPQ AL – Faqih Gadungan, Puncu, Kediri. The method used in this research is PAR (Participatory Action Research). The research results showed a significant increase in children's prayer abilities because they felt happy and interested in praying both at TPQ and at home. This program also encourages them to get used to praying with full humility and tu'maninah, and to be able to recite the prayer readings fluently and correctly.

Pelestarian Nilai-Nilai Leluhur melalui Upacara Pernikahan Adat di Kampung Naga

The traditional wedding ceremony in Kampung Naga is not merely a ritual but also the heart of the community’s social life. In the face of social change dynamics, the indigenous people of Kampung Naga have successfully preserved their traditional wedding customs. This study aims to uncover each stage of the ceremony, from preparation to the main event, involving the active participation of all community members, and to analyze how the traditional wedding ceremony in Kampung Naga adapts to modern influences while maintaining core values. Through a qualitative case study approach, this research reveals the strategies used by the community to maintain the relevance of wedding traditions in the context of modern life. The study finds that each stage of the ceremony, from preparation to the main event, is rich with symbols reflecting traditional values such as mutual assistance, simplicity, and respect for ancestors. The concept of “pondok lengkah,” associated with women, also adds a unique dimension to the dynamics of marriage within this community. This research highlights how the wedding ceremony serves not only as a religious ritual but also as a means to strengthen cultural identity and preserve ancestral values.

Implementasi Sila Pertama Pancasila dalam Tradisi Hajat Sasih Maulid di Kampung Naga: Studi Kualitatif dan Deskriptif

The Hajat Sasih Maulid tradition in Kampung Naga is a tangible embodiment of the noble values of Pancasila, particularly the first principle. This study explores in depth how this tradition serves as a bridge between faith and deeds, belief and concrete actions. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, the research uncovers the religious, social, and cultural dimensions inherent in this tradition. The findings indicate that Hajat Sasih Maulid functions not only as a religious ritual but also as a means to strengthen national values, preserve the environment, and build a just and prosperous society. Additionally, the tradition serves as a medium for moral education, teaching the connection between spirituality and social responsibility, supporting community solidarity, and encouraging active participation in cultural heritage preservation. This research highlights the importance of local traditions in the national context and their contribution to harmonizing Pancasila values with everyday life practices.

On the question of domestic slaves in late medieval and early modern Zoroastrianism

Abstract This article collects and analyses passages about male and female domestic slaves in the Persian Rivāyats. The Rivāyats consist of correspondence between Iranian and Indian Zoroastrians (Parsis) from the late fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries ce. In these letters, Parsis sought the opinions of Iranian Zoroastrians on various doctrinal and ritual issues. The passages in question cover a range of subjects, including the issue of converting household slaves to Zoroastrianism, their participation in domestic religious ceremonies, the exposure of their dead bodies in the towers of silence, and marrying female slaves. These references to slaves challenge the conventional narrative that pre-modern Zoroastrians were oppressed, marginalized, and poor communities. This narrative has overshadowed these pieces of evidence and has caused them not to be studied seriously. This paper seeks to go beyond this traditional reconstruction by examining these texts based on their context. The passages reflect the actual socio-religious issues of Zoroastrians, especially Parsis, and demonstrate their participation in the slave-owning milieu of late medieval and early modern Gujarat and Iran rather than mere anachronistic elements or rhetorical tools reflecting a scholastic treatment of a defunct legal question.

Beyond the Boundaries of Faith: A Multidimensional of Religious Spatial Segregation in the Context of Urban Society

This study aims to analyzes the spatial dimension of religion contributes to polarization and conflict between religious groups in urban societies. Using a qualitative descriptive approach and literature review method, this research explores the forms, impacts, and prevention efforts of religious spatial segregation through analysis of cases involving the dissolution of religious rituals and rejection of houses of worship construction. This study argues that the spatial dimension of religion reinforces the boundaries of religious differences, transforming them from imaginary to clear and practical boundaries, thus giving rise to tensions between religious groups. In order to address religious violence resulting from segregation, this study proposes a peacebuilding design with an integrative structural and socio-cultural approach. The research findings indicate that the concept of religious spatiality is both ambiguous and paradoxical, with blurred categorizations of space trigger contestation of meaning between groups, potentially leading to conflict and violations of religious freedom. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of religious conflict in urban contexts and highlights the importance of a spatial approach in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.

Assessing the Use and Diversity of the Common Ethnomedicinal Flora of Pangi- A Cold Desert Region of North-West Himalayas

Pangi -a dry temperate region of north-west Himalayas, is known ordnance of aromatic & medicinal plants and conventional knowledge coupled with these plants. Rich traditions and philosophy are deeply imbued in the cultural ethos of the natives while the modernity still eludes them, signalling a good scope for ethnobotanical studies. The inhabitants of the Pangi valley use various plant parts for curing different diseases like cough & cold, fever, burns, joint pains and stomach troubles besides using them for making household articles and in religious rites. The present study deals with twenty major medicinal plants used by the natives of the Pangi valley to cure a variety of ailments as the orthodox health care system practised by the local healers (Vaidyas). On extensive review of relevant research literature it was revealed that the use of these plants was never recorded before and hence the present investigation qualifies as a pioneering endeavour. The traditional herbal medicine is still the most prevalent system in the area while the modern health care systems are slowly creeping in.

Pesaguan Dayak Kanjan Serayong Custom: The Relationship between Catholic Faith and Culture

Integrating Catholicism and Kanjan Serayong culture within the Pesaguan Dayak community exemplifies the dynamic interplay between religious and cultural rituals, particularly in funeral ceremonies, fostering communal solidarity and cultural resilience through a seamless blend of traditional and Catholic practices. This research aims to elucidate how these cultural and religious elements coexist and reinforce each other within the community. Employing qualitative methods, the study includes interviews with three Pesaguan Dayak Indigenous Leaders and informants, participant observations, and literature analysis guided by Victor Turner's theory of ritual structure. The findings highlight that both Catholicism and Kanjan Serayong culture places a strong emphasis on rituals, particularly funeral ceremonies, which are central to honoring the deceased and fostering communal solidarity. The study reveals a profound respect for sacred traditions and cultural heritage, showing that rituals reflect a seamless blend of Catholic and indigenous practices, indicative of cultural adaptation and resilience. This research underscores the need for further studies on cultural inculturation within Indigenous communities, comparative analyses across different cultural contexts, and interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance the understanding of Indigenous spirituality and cultural heritage preservation. Additionally, this study recommends involving local communities in the research process to promote mutual learning and effective cultural preservation strategies.

The Meaning of The Cockfighting Tradition Among the Talang Mamak Tribe in Rantau Langsat Village, Indragiri Hulu

This research examines the tradition of cockfighting among the Talang Mamak tribe in Rantau Langsat Village, Batang Gansal District, Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau Province. The method used in this research is qualitative method. The data collection techniques obtained from observation, interviews, documentation and literature studies related to the research problem. Data analysis was carried out using symbolic interpretive and functional structural theories. The findings in this study are that there is a meaning given by the Talang Mamak community to the tradition of cockfighting as a religious rite and identity that is contained in its implementation. From this meaning, social, political and economic stratification emerges as well as functional and dysfunctional in the tradition of cockfighting.

Unraveling the metabolomic profile and acute toxicity of ethanolic extract from Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. root bark

Mimosa tenuiflora (Fabaceae) is popularly known in Brazil as “Jurema preta”. From the bark of its root, “jurema wine” is obtained, a psychedelic drink used in Indigenous religious rituals in Northeastern Brazil. This work aimed to investigate the chemical composition and acute oral toxicity of the ethanolic extract of the root bark from M. tenuiflora (EEMt). EEMt was analyzed by UPLC-QToF-MS/MS and DI-ESI-IT-MSn. Oral administration of EEMt was performed once at doses of 300 and 2000 mg/kg in female Swiss mice. Signs and symptoms of intoxication, as well as mortality were monitored for 14 days. Thirteen compounds were annotated in EEMt: eight type B proanthocyanidins, three alkaloids, a glycosylated flavonol, and a dihydrochalcone derivative. The acute administration of 300 and 2000 mg/kg of EEMt did not show mortality. It also did not change the food intake or body weight of the animals. However, the relative weights of the kidneys were significantly changed for both doses. Changes in hematological and biochemical parameters were found. In addition, histopathological changes were also observed in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Thus, based on our findings, EEMt presented an LD50 greater than 2000 mg/kg and was therefore classified in category 5 of the Globally Harmonized Classification System (GHS). EEMt showed acute oral toxicity by altering hematological, biochemical and histological parameters.

Ethnobotany of Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. &Schult. : A Review

Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult., known as ‘desert rose’ is a plant belonging to Apocynaceae family. It is cultivated in various tropical regions. The common usage of Adenium obesum is as an ornamental plant. However, this plant reported in previous research the biological activities and phytochemical constituents. Nevertheless, no paper discusses the ethnobotanical usage of it. The aim of this study is to summarize and discuss the ethnobotany usage of Adenium obesum by literature study. There are five ethnobotany purposes of Adenium obesum, i.e. ornamental plants, ecoprint source, religious ceremony, treating diseases, and toxic effect. The beauty of Adenium obesum is the flower and the roots which can be made into a bonsai. It is used for making motifs on fabrics with direct contact in ecoprint purposes. In religious ceremonies, Adenium obesum is used for offerings and pilgrimage ceremonies at the cemetery. Adenium obesum is approved to treat various diseases in humans and chickens. However, it also used a toxic effect on hunting. Various regions in different countries use this plant for different ethnobotanical usage. It concludes that Adenium obesum needed to be approved scientifically to obtain the beneficial effects and avoid the toxic effects of this plant to utilize it properly.