MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, KENDAL – Secretary General of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti addressed the anthropological concept of halalbihalal, highlighting its role as a vernacular expression of Islamic teachings and values. He explained that Halal Bihalal represents the adaptation of Islamic principles to local culture and context, emphasizing its universal appeal and acceptance across diverse communities.
Mu’ti further delved into the concept of Islam’s vernacularization, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere adherence to religious doctrines but rather encompasses the practical embodiment of Islamic teachings in one’s daily life. In this context, halalbihalal serves as a multifaceted event that encompasses four key elements.
First, it deals with sharia (Islamic law) that is the observance of Eid al-Fitr prayer. Second, it is mudik (homecoming tradition). Mu’ti also noted the spiritual and cultural dimensions of mudik.
“Cultural homecoming is also unique to Indonesia. It highlights the importance of apologizing, even if it takes hours and involves extraordinary traffic jams,” explained Mu’ti in the gathering at RSI Muhammadiyah Kendal on Saturay (April 27).
Meanwhile, from an economic perspective, homecoming generates a significant financial turnover, with trillions of rupiah circulating during this period.
For the Indonesian people, homecoming and Eid al-Fitr are like two inseparable things. There would be no homecoming without Eid al-Fitr. After homecoming, the third element is silaturahmi (strengthening social ties), and the fourth is ceremonial events held by institutions.
In the ceremonial agenda of halalbihalal , Abdul Mu’ti mentioned that there are 4Rs, namely reflection (introspection), refreshing (joy), recreation (reinvigorated spirit), and reconciliation-resolution, which is particularly important in a ‘divided’ world.
