Prayer in theTeachings of Syekh Siti Jenar : Between Sharia and Essence
Prayer in the Teachings of Syekh Siti Jenar: Between Sharia and Essence
Author: Abah Roy Chairman of DPC Aswin, Cirebon City
Syekh Siti Jenar is known for his deep teachings on Manunggaling Kawula Gusti, which means the union of man with God. One of the most controversial aspects of his teachings is his perspective on sharia, especially prayer (sholat). Many misunderstand his views and assume that he rejected prayer in its ritual form. However, if understood deeply, his teachings did not reject prayer but rather emphasized its true essence.
1. Prayer as a Path to Divine Awareness
In Islam, prayer is a command from Allah that must be performed as an act of worship and servitude. The Quran states:
“Indeed, prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing…” (QS Al-Ankabut: 45)
For Syekh Siti Jenar, prayer is not merely a set of physical movements and recitations but should be a means to achieve awareness of God’s presence within oneself. He taught that prayer should not be limited to five times a day but should be constant—within every breath and action.
In tasawwuf (Islamic mysticism), this concept is known as sholat daim (continuous prayer), where the heart is always connected to God, not just through rituals but in all aspects of life.
2. Sharia vs. Essence in Prayer
Syekh Siti Jenar was often considered controversial because he spoke about two dimensions of worship:
Sharia: Prayer in its physical form according to Islamic rules.
Essence: Prayer as a state of spiritual awareness, where one is always in the presence of God.
According to him, those still at the sharia level must perform prayer physically. However, those who have reached the level of ma’rifat (full awareness of God) are in a state of sholat daim, where their entire being is in constant worship beyond time and place.
This concept aligns with the teachings of Sufi figures like Al-Hallaj and Ibn Arabi, who emphasized that true worship is not just about rituals but about divine consciousness that permeates human existence.
3. Controversy and Misunderstandings
Syekh Siti Jenar’s views were considered dangerous by some scholars of his time, as they feared people might abandon prayer, claiming to have reached spiritual awareness. However, his teachings did not reject sharia but emphasized that sharia should lead to deeper understanding, not just empty rituals.
He criticized those who performed prayer merely as a physical routine without comprehending its meaning. To him, someone who prays physically but whose heart is distant from God has not truly prayed. As the Quran states:
“So woe to those who pray, but who are heedless of their prayer.” (QS Al-Ma’un: 4-5)
4. How to Apply This Teaching?
To avoid misunderstanding, here are some ways to balance the sharia and essence of prayer:
1. Perform physical prayer as a form of obedience to Allah.
2. Increase awareness in prayer so that it is not just movements but a true communication with God.
3. Make life itself an act of worship, ensuring that the heart remains connected to Allah beyond the set prayer times.
Conclusion
Syekh Siti Jenar did not reject prayer but taught that true prayer is full awareness of God’s presence in every moment of life. Sharia is a path to essence, not the final goal.
For ordinary believers, physical prayer remains an obligation as an act of worship. However, for those who have reached a high spiritual level, prayer is not just a ritual but a constant state of submission and unity with God.
By understanding this teaching, one will not abandon prayer but instead deepen the meaning of worship, making it not just an obligation but a spiritual necessity and pleasure.
References
This article is an analysis of various sources on Syekh Siti Jenar’s teachings, especially regarding Manunggaling Kawula Gusti and the concept of prayer in Javanese mysticism and Islamic spirituality. Some key references include:
1. Javanese Serat Texts – Such as Serat Siti Jenar, Serat Wirid Hidayat Jati, and Serat Cabolek, which discuss Javanese mysticism and Islamic thought in Nusantara.
2. Islamic Sufi Teachings – The thoughts of Sufi figures such as Al-Hallaj, Ibn Arabi, and Al-Ghazali, which share similarities with Syekh Siti Jenar’s philosophy on the relationship between humans and God.
3. Historical Studies on Islam in Java – Research by historians such as Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra and Dr. Agus Sunyoto, who examined the role of tasawwuf in the spread of Islam in Java.
4. The Quran and Hadith – As the primary sources for understanding worship and Islamic spirituality.
This article is not a direct excerpt from a single book but a synthesis of various perspectives related to Syekh Siti Jenar’s teachings and the concept of prayer in Islamic mysticism and Javanese spirituality.