The Qur'an and Indonesian Community Culture: The Qur'an as an Amulet Among Indigenous People

Abstract

Amulet or also known as talisman is a writing material or a spell that is believed to have a miracle and can be used as an antidote to a disease. Indigenous Peoples of Wewengkon Kasepuhan Citorek Lebak-Banten West Java is one of the Indonesian community who believes that the burden of everyday life will be reduced by wearing an amulet. The amulets are usually worn on the house walls, hang on the door, or used as a necklace. Besides amulets, Wewengkon society also practices a charming debus. Debus is an art of traditional practice staging remarkable human ability includes immunity to sharp weapon and fire resistance that is believed originally from the holy book of the Qur'an. This research is very interesting because, firstly, the majority of Indigenous people Wewengkon Kasepuhan Citorek Lebak-Banten is a Muslim; Secondly, the amulet use a few verses in the Qur'an or hijaiyyah (Quranic alphabets). This research includes a living Qur'an study as an effort of certain communities to revive the Qur'an in their daily life. Using the anthropological and ethnographic approach, this study has revealed; first, the belief in the amulet is originated from the belief of the elders or the respected one who ordered the use of amulets in daily life. Second, the verses written in the amulet are the verses of the Quran, al-muqaththa'ah and hijaiyyah alphabet; Third, the amulets are usually used in wallets, belts or the main door of the house; Fourth, a beneficial direct result of the amulets can be felt by indigenous people of Wewengkon Kasepuhan presenting an increase in the economy, powerful aura and guarding against threats and catastrophe.

Rajah: Islamic Talisman for Overcoming Disease

“…Then Li Khamsatun's song became one with multiple arrangements and can be seen on YouTube with different singers. 34 In modern Muslims or those affiliated with Muhammadiyah, the use of the rajah could not be seen. The rajah writing campaign was also promoted on social media platforms with accounts affiliated with the pesantren.…”