PRAKTIK RUWAT SANTRI PRA-NIKAH DALAM PERSPEKTIF ‘URF DAN BID’AH (STUDI DI DESA KUCUR KECAMATAN DAU KABUPATEN MALANG)

Abstract

This study examines the practice of ruwat santri (Islamic pre-marital ritual) in Kucur Village, Dau District, Malang Regency, and analyzes it from the perspectives of 'urf (customary law) and bid'ah (religious innovation) in Islamic law. Using an empirical legal research approach with sociological and ethnographic methods, data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with religious leaders, traditional figures, and families of prospective brides, and documentation of ritual processes. The results show that ruwat santri represents a form of selective cultural acculturation in three layers: preservation of the essence of spiritual preparation, transformation of external ritual forms (replacing sesajen with slametan, replacing shamans with kyai, replacing Javanese mantras with Islamic prayers, and replacing wayang performances with khataman Al-Qur'an), and reinterpretation of religious meanings according to Islamic teachings. From the perspective of 'urf, ruwat santri can be categorized as 'urf shahih (valid custom) because it fulfills all seven conditions of 'urf acceptance in Islamic law. From the perspective of bid'ah, this practice does not fall under bid'ah dhalalah (heretical innovation), since the transformation has eliminated all elements contrary to Islamic monotheism (tauhid). On the contrary, elements such as khataman Al-Qur'an, pre-marital counseling, and Islamic prayers have strong foundations in the Sunnah of the Prophet. Kyai plays a central role as a cultural broker mediating Javanese local tradition and universal Islamic values. This transformation was driven by increased Islamic awareness since the 2000s, the active role of religious leaders, and economic and pragmatic considerations.

Keywords: Pre-Marital Ritual, Ruwat Santri, 'Urf, Bid'ah, Cultural Acculturation.