The Relationship Between the Islamic Culture and Javanese Culture

Islamic culture and Javanese culture are complex and diverse relationships. they are strong in the history and traditions of the Indonesian archipelago. These bonds have evolved over the centuries, influenced by various ethnic, religious, and cultural groups that have come together to form a unique cultural identity. Even so, Islamic and Javanese culture also has to face many challenges from several aspects. Therefore, we will discuss the relationship between Islamic culture and Javanese culture which is very complex and inseparable

Before that, we must know the history of the beginning of the spread of Islam on the island of Java. The spread of Islam in Java began in the 13th century, through the arrival of Arab traders and missionaries.  This was the beginning of the formation of walisongo in spreading Islam. walisongo's efforts in spreading Islam in Java were certainly not easy. one of them was from sunan kalijaga. He had to overcome great challenges where at that time the majority of people in Java adhered to local mystical beliefs so it was very difficult to carry out da'wah. even so, they succeeded in spreading Islam on the island of Java through traditional cultural da'wah, such as incorporating da'wah Islam into wayang performances which were very popular with the community at that time.

The spread of the walisongo has produced a rich and diverse cultural heritage with a blend of Islamic and Javanese cultural acculturation. Javanese culture, originally rooted in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, has been influenced by Islamic customs and practices. Therefore, the relationship between Islamic and Javanese culture has produced unique cultural expressions, such as wayang, kenduren, seserahan, and slametan, which combine Islamic and Javanese elements.

In addition, the relationship between Islam and Javanese culture is also seen in the aspects of education and economy. For example, pesantren education, which blends Islamic values and Javanese culture, played an important role in the spread of Islam in the archipelago. Furthermore, the economic principles of the Javanese, such as their emphasis on noble values and cultural quality, were also strongly influenced by Islamic teachings.

Despite the strong ties between Islam and Javanese culture, there have been challenges and adaptations over time. The 19th century, for example, was an era of instability in the relationship, with the rise of modernist movements that sought to purify Islam from local influences. This action actually still exists today through the da'wah of these entities. But even so, the acculturative image of Javanese Islam is still dominant and the majority of people in Java are still very thick and also cannot be separated from the tradition of syncretism. Therefore, tolerance for religions which in fact has become a characteristic of Javanese Islam is still very much maintained and continues to be inherited to this day.

Therefore, my personal view of Javanese culture is that as long as what is done does not violate the teachings of the Qur'an, then it is okay. Javanese traditions such as sungkeman are actually not heretical acts that people talk about. In fact, sungkeman is a norm of manners in Javanese culture and it also has a relationship with Islamic teachings where a child must respect his parents. Therefore, Javanese culture is also not as misguided as what people who are too moderate think.

The conclusion is that the relationship between Islamic and Javanese cultures is evidence of the dynamic and adaptive nature of the two cultures. Through the interaction of the two, both have created a unique cultural identity, namely Islam and Javanese or called kejawen. This bond is a reflection of the complex and diverse nature of Indonesian culture, which is constantly evolving and adapting to changing circumstances. Even so, there are many challenges from this culture where they have to deal with the Islamic modernization movement that wants to eliminate these cultural elements. Even so, actually Islam in the world is also diverse and very different from Islamic culture in the Middle East. Just like in Java where people do not want to adapt the culture that is too Arabic so that Islam with Javanese culture is very thick until now. 

This is evident from the da'wah steps taken by Sunan Kalijaga where he carried out da'wah in the usual way. However, this method failed and the residents at that time ignored what Sunan Kalijaga did. Therefore, Sunan Kalijaga uses a culture-based da'wah method and this has been effective and successful. Therefore, Javanese culture and Islam are very difficult to separate. Instead, it must always be united in strengthening a culture and norms.

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