<![CDATA[Abstrak Praktik pawang hujan masih bertahan di tengah masyarakat pedesaan meskipun modernisasi dan islamisasi sudah berkembang. Pawang hujan dipahami sebagai figur sosial yang memediasi hubungan antara manusia dan alam, serta berperan dalam memastikan acara penting berjalan dengan lancar. Penelitian ini mengkaji legitimasi sosial pawang hujan dengan menyoroti bagaimana praktik tersebut dimaknai, dinegosiasikan, dan dipertahankan dalam lanskap sosial-keagamaan. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode etnografi melalui observasi partisipatif, wawancara mendalam, dokumentasi serta pencatatan lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan praktik pawang hujan tetap eksis karena berfungsi secara simbolik praktis, dan sosial. Selain itu, pawang hujan juga mengalami akulturasi dengan ajaran Islam, melalui doa, ayat-ayat Al-Quran, dan berpuasa. Legitimasi sosial pawang hujan muncul dari pengalaman spiritual, praktik ritual yang efektif, pengakuan dari masyarakat, dan pertukaran simbolik antara pemberi jasa dan pengguna jasa. Pawang hujan bukan sekadar praktik magis, melainkan aktor sosial yang memperkuat solidaritas komunal dan pelestarian nilai budaya lokal. Kata kunci: Pawang hujan, legitimasi sosial, akulturasi, keagamaan Abstract The practice of rain shamans (pawang hujan) persists in rural communities despite the ongoing processes of modernization and Islamization. Rain shamans are understood as social figures who mediate the relationship between humans and nature, and play a role in ensuring the smooth running of important events. This study examines the social legitimacy of rain shamans by highlighting how their practices are interpreted, negotiated, and maintained within the socio-religious landscape. The research employs a qualitative approach with ethnographic methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and field notes. The findings indicate that the practice of rain shamans continues to exist because it functions symbolically, practically, and socially. Moreover, rain shamans have undergone acculturation with Islamic teachings through prayer, Quranic recitations, and fasting. Their social legitimacy arises from spiritual experiences, effective ritual practices, recognition from the community, and symbolic exchanges between service providers and users. Rain shamans are not merely practitioners of magic but social actors who strengthen communal solidarity and preserve local cultural values. Keywords: Rain shamans, social legitimacy, acculturation, religion]]>
