This study examines the participation of the Chinese community in Sarang, Rembang, in the Javanese-Islamic traditions of takziyah (funeral condolence) and tahlilan (communal prayer for the deceased). The research addresses the gap in understanding how minority groups, particularly non-Muslim Chinese Indonesians, engage with religious practices in multiethnic, rural settings. Using a micro-ethnographic approach, the study involved 16 participants from seven extended Chinese families, comprising both Muslim and non-Muslim individuals. Data was collected through participant observation, interviews, and document analysis to explore how these traditions contribute to social cohesion and integration. Key findings reveal that Muslim Chinese participants fully engage in these traditions' spiritual and logistical aspects. In contrast, non-Muslim participants contribute primarily through the material and social support, emphasizing the inclusive nature of takziyah and tahlilan. The study highlights the flexibility of these practices, which accommodate varying levels of participation, enabling individuals from different religious and ethnic backgrounds to connect. Material contributions were identified as key in bridging social and religious divides and promoting inclusivity within the community. The study underscores the potential of localized traditions as models for fostering social harmony in diverse, multiethnic societies.
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