Rediscovering the way of Islamic propagation by continuing the tradition of religion-based agriculture

Abstract

This study examines farming communities in Muslim villages that  carry out one of the religious rituals in their agricultural cycle,  namely tandur [planting rice seeds]. The study was then analysed  with a theological analysis, namely Islamic theology, as the religion  embraced by the community. The research method was carried out  as follows: the researcher observed the research object in the  Tanggulun Village of Subang Regency of West Java of Indonesia, where the case study was located. Researchers stayed at the  research location and conducted interviews, supported by a voice  recorder. The findings revealed that religious rituals performed by  the farming community in the Muslim village, particularly during the agricultural cycle of planting rice seeds, gave rise to two types of  tandur mantra. Such a religion-based culture does not conflict with  the teachings of Islam as the religion of the farmers. The ritual  represents local wisdom that the farming community can maintain  and preserve theological and humanitarian elements inherited by  Islamic da’wah [propagation] in the area. This study can show  contemporary farmers the meaning of the mantra their parents used to chant. They can adapt whilst still honouring their religious  heritage, even though the existing agricultural tools are relatively  new.

Contribution: This dissecting study of cultural narratives with  theological studies can show that society still has traditions that can  be maintained even in current conditions. Also, it opens the possibility of revealing local values in modern languages, so that there is a connection between past and present traditions. Disclosure of these values  can be seen in the remaining culture, which is still practiced now, to enrich the study of ethnography, especially Sundanese ethnography. This is part of  cultural science, which in this case is religious culture.