The Practice of Salawat Nariyah in Rural Javanese Society Indonesia: Religiosity or Sociality?

Abstract

This study aims to understand the religious practice of Salawat Nariyah within traditional Javanese Muslims
in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Even though the Salawat Nariyah is a ritual prayer, the Salawat is also intended
for social and cultural purposes. However, limited studies have been conducted to understand whether
the Salawat Nariyah practice has functioned as ritual or social purposes. Through the use of socio-religious
theory, this study employed a qualitative approach to understanding the Salawat Nariyah as a religious
and social function within the community. Data were gathered from a three months observation, two
focus groups discussion, and in-depth interviews with involved Salawat Nariyah participants. The findings
show that the Salawat Nariyah is about religious practices, social and cultural practices to strengthen
social bonds by combining the practice of Salawat Nariyah and social activities. The Salawat Nariyah
also play function as a connection binding between the community culture and the religious system in
which the communities consider the Salawat Nāriyah as a means to bring them closer with God to seek
protection, but at the same time, the Salawat Nariyah is considered as magic to protect them from evil
spirits.