Academia Open
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): December

Sacred Frankincense and Spiritual Meaning in Sasak Muslim Rituals

Fikri, Hamdani Khaerul (Unknown)
Rasyidi, Abdul Haris (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Nov 2025

Abstract

General background: Ritual traditions among Sasak Muslims in Lombok reveal a dynamic interaction between Islamic teachings and ancestral heritage. Specific background: One of the least discussed yet enduring practices is the use of frankincense, which remains controversial among puritan groups but continues to hold deep spiritual value for local communities. Knowledge gap: Previous studies emphasize cultural or syncretic aspects but rarely explore the inner religious experiences and sacred meanings embedded in frankincense use. Aims: This study seeks to uncover the sacredness of frankincense in Sasak Muslim rituals using a phenomenological approach, focusing on meaning, symbolism, and spiritual function. Results: The findings show that frankincense serves as a medium for purification, a channel for prayer, and a symbolic bridge between humans, ancestors, and the Divine, creating an atmosphere of calmness, reverence, and communal cohesion. Novelty: This research offers a new perspective by identifying frankincense as a lived sacred entity within local Islamic spirituality rather than a cultural remnant or superstitious practice. Implications: The study enriches scholarship on Nusantara Islam, strengthens frameworks of religious moderation grounded in local wisdom, and highlights the importance of safeguarding intangible spiritual heritage in contemporary Muslim life. Highlights: Highlights the spiritual meaning and sacred function of frankincense in Sasak Muslim rituals. Reveals how ritual symbols shape inner religious experience and communal harmony. Offers a new phenomenological perspective on lived Islam in local cultural contexts. Keywords: Frankincense, Sasak Muslims, Phenomenology, Ritual Sacredness, Local Islam

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acopen

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Arts Humanities Chemistry Computer Science & IT Earth & Planetary Sciences Economics, Econometrics & Finance Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Library & Information Science Medicine & Pharmacology Physics Social Sciences Other

Description

Academia Open is published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo published 2 (two) issues per year (June and December). This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. This ...