Cowongan in Javanese Islamic mysticism: A study of Islamic philosophy in Penginyongan society
HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies February 23, 2023 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.4102/hts.v79i1.8234 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Sufism, particularly the theory of al-Hulul (unity with God), aims to achieve true happiness by cleansing the heart and purifying the soul to draw closer to God. In Java, Sufism blends with local culture, as most Javanese people experience religion and culture as intertwined. Religion symbolizes obedience to God, while culture provides values for dynamic living. This fusion influences the socio-religious order but does not constitute a standard system. Javanese life tends toward mystical culture, closely related to religious and sometimes magical traits.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Sufism's theory of al-Hulul and its integration with Javanese culture illustrates how religious and cultural systems mutually influence the socio-religious order without forming a standard system. |
Abstract
closer to God by cleansing the heart and purifying the soul, with the aim of achieving true happiness by dealing directly with God. This theory is called al-Hulul [unity with God]. (Takahashi 2019). Sufism is considered to be more friendly to local culture, and the majority of Javanese people have direct contact with religion and culture. Religion symbolises the value of obedience to God, while culture contains values and symbols so that humans can be dynamic in their lives. Religious systems that blend into society have a collective meaning, namely mutual influence on the totality of the socio-religious order, but cannot be seen as a standard system in society. Javanese life is closer to mystical culture. This feature is very close to religious traits, and in certain groups it is even magical.