The Prophet's Veneration in the Short Story "Ludah Nabi di Lidah Syekh Raba"

Humanities, Indonesian Literature

Veneration or respect for Prophet Muhammad often appears in various literary works. One of these literary works is the short story collection “Ludah Nabi di Lidah Syekh Raba” by Royyan Julian who comes from Pamekasan, Madura. This research aims to dissect the reasons and origins of veneration using the five basic religious components initiated by Koentjaraningrat: (1) religious emotions; (2) belief system; (3) system of rites and ceremonies; (4) ceremonial equipment and rites; and (5) religious people. This research uses qualitative methods with a literary anthropology approach. The results of the research show one major theme raised within the short story, namely the spiritual enlightenment experienced by the main character, Syekh Raba. First, the religious emotion shown by Syekh Raba is the preaching that he wanted to do after meeting Prophet Muhammad in a dream. Second, the religious community in this short story focuses on Madurese people of the 16th century who belonged to the abangan group. Third, the belief system is centered on Islamic religion’s two dimensions, namely esoteric and exoteric dimensions. Finally, the rite system carried out by Syekh Raba only requires one condition so that rain can fall in the Pamelingan Kingdom.

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