Sharmila Sharmila, Dahlia Lubis

Makna Ritual Cheng Beng dan Ziarah Kubur: Studi Komparatif Antara Tradisi Tionghoa dan Islam di Labuhan Batu

Introduction

Makna ritual cheng beng dan ziarah kubur: studi komparatif antara tradisi tionghoa dan islam di labuhan batu. Jelajahi makna ritual Cheng Beng (Tionghoa) dan Ziarah Kubur (Islam) di Labuhanbatu. Studi komparatif ini mengungkap nilai sosial serupa, memperkuat toleransi & kerukunan antarumat beragama.

Abstract

This article examines the meaning of the Cheng Beng ritual in the Chinese-Buddhist tradition and the Grave Pilgrimage in Islamic teachings in Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra. These two practices were chosen because they both represent a form of respect for ancestors, but come from different religious traditions. Cheng Beng is carried out through cleaning graves, burning prayer paper and offering food, while Pilgrimage to the Grave emphasizes prayer and contemplation of death without the element of material offerings. This study uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological method to explore the experiences and meanings of ritual actors from both communities. The results of the study show that although there are fundamental differences in theological aspects and forms of practice, both have similar social values, such as respect for ancestors, strengthening family ties, and cleaning graves as a form of respect. These findings show that interfaith cultural practices have the potential to strengthen the values ​​of tolerance, social cohesion, and harmony between religious communities. Thus, understanding the meaning of religious rituals in a multicultural society such as Labuhanbatu is important to support an inclusive and harmonious social life.

Review

The article, "Makna Ritual Cheng Beng dan Ziarah Kubur: Studi Komparatif Antara Tradisi Tionghoa dan Islam di Labuhan Batu," presents a timely and relevant comparative study examining ancestral reverence practices across two distinct religious traditions in Labuhanbatu Regency. By focusing on the Chinese-Buddhist Cheng Beng ritual and the Islamic Grave Pilgrimage, the authors adeptly highlight both the theological divergence and significant social convergence of these practices. The core assertion that these rituals, despite their differing theological underpinnings and forms of practice, share common social values such as respect for ancestors, family cohesion, and grave maintenance, offers a compelling starting point for understanding interfaith dynamics in a multicultural setting. A notable strength of this research, as outlined in the abstract, lies in its specific focus on a local Indonesian context, offering valuable insights into how universal themes of remembrance and respect manifest within diverse cultural and religious frameworks. The qualitative approach, employing a phenomenological method, appears well-suited to delve into the nuanced experiences and meanings held by practitioners from both communities. This methodological choice promises a rich exploration of lived religion, moving beyond superficial comparisons to uncover deeper, participant-centric understandings. The identification of shared social values, particularly the potential for strengthening tolerance and social cohesion, represents a significant contribution, positing that such comparative analyses are crucial for fostering harmonious interfaith relations. While the abstract effectively outlines the study's scope and key findings, a full paper would benefit from deeper exploration into certain aspects. For instance, elaborating on the specific nuances of the "fundamental differences in theological aspects" could further contextualize the shared social values, perhaps by discussing how practitioners consciously reconcile or navigate these differences in their everyday understanding and practice. Additionally, a more detailed discussion on the precise mechanisms through which these "interfaith cultural practices" actively strengthen tolerance and social cohesion, beyond simply identifying the potential, would enhance the findings. Nevertheless, this study offers a robust and insightful contribution to the fields of religious studies, anthropology, and sociology, underscoring the importance of understanding local religious practices for fostering an inclusive and harmonious social fabric.

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