Lombok, NTB – ASWINNEWS.COM – The tradition of Isra’ Mi’raj in Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB), is somewhat different from other regions in the Islamic communities of Indonesia.
In the land known as the City of a Thousand Mosques, the Muslim community in Lombok celebrates Isra’ Mi’raj of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with great reverence, blending local culture and the unique da’wah traditions of Lombok’s people.
Isra’ Mi’raj is not merely a spiritual journey, but also part of a tradition observed in various places in Lombok, NTB.
On the occasion of Isra’ Mi’raj, which this year falls on Monday, January 27, 2025, the editorial team of aswinnews.com directly monitored the activities of the Lombok community in celebrating Isra’ Mi’raj.
Additionally, the editorial team interviewed a prominent community figure from Lombok, who is also the former Head of the Tourism Department of Lombok, H. Muhammad Taufik, M.Ed., at his home in Labu Api, West Lombok.
He stated, “In Lombok, NTB, the celebration of Isra’ Mi’raj is generally carried out with various unique traditions, reflecting the local culture and strong Islamic values.”
Here are some of the traditions followed by the people of Lombok:
1. Group Recitations and Dhikr Together
The community organizes religious celebrations in mosques or prayer rooms to commemorate the Isra’ Mi’raj journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This includes reciting dhikr, prayers, and lectures by local religious leaders.
2. Ngurisan Tradition (Baby’s Hair Shaving Ceremony)
This tradition involves a ceremony where the hair of babies under 6 months old is shaved clean to ensure their hair grows thick and healthy. Not only that, but it is also a prayer for the child to grow healthy, strong, and not easily fall ill. The Ngurisan tradition is often combined with reading religious stories, and also includes tahlil and other communal activities, which help strengthen social bonds and promote harmony among the community.
3. Reading Bekayat or Hikayat (Poetic Narratives)
Historically, hikayat (epic tales) were used to spread Islam. These stories often recount the spiritual journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his passing, and the history of Islam’s arrival in the archipelago. Nowadays, the “Az-Zahrul Basim” book, which tells the story of the Prophet’s birth and Isra’ Mi’raj, along with his virtues, is often read.
4. Nyongkolan Tradition (Cultural Procession)
In some villages in Lombok, the Isra’ Mi’raj celebration is combined with traditional ceremonies like “nyongkolan,” a procession where the community parades while wearing traditional Sasak attire. This procession also helps to strengthen community bonds.
5. Communal Meals (Begawe or Kenduri)
The community usually holds kenduri or begawe, which are communal meals held in village halls or people’s homes. Traditional Lombok dishes such as Ayam Taliwang, Plecing Kangkung (water spinach with spicy sauce), and Sate Rembiga are served. These communal meals are preceded by a prayer led by a religious leader.
6. Building Social Solidarity
Some communities use the occasion of Isra’ Mi’raj to help others by giving charity, distributing food, or assisting less fortunate families.
7. Unique Traditions of the Sasak People of Lombok
In certain areas, there are traditions like reading “Barzanji” (poetic praises for Prophet Muhammad PBUH), accompanied by traditional music such as “Gendang Beleq.” These celebrations are an important moment for the Lombok community to strengthen their spiritual values, togetherness, and preserve the traditions passed down through generations.
Through these traditions, the celebration of Isra’ Mi’raj in Lombok is not only a religious event, but also an occasion to enhance social unity and preserve the cultural heritage passed down through generations.
H. Sujaya
Editorial Board, Aswinnews.com, Wednesday morning, January 29, 2025, reporting directly from Lombok, NTB.
