Jurnal Ilmiah Mizani: Wacana Hukum, Ekonomi Dan Keagamaan
Vol 12, No 2 (2025): October

Ritual Syncretism and Legal Validity: A Jurisprudential Analysis of the Fidyah Semyang Tradition in Bengkulu

Elkhairati Elkhairati (Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi)
Laras Shesa (Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Curup)
Yusefri Yusefri (Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Curup)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study explores the practice of Fidyah Semyang, which is a local tradition of the people of Suka Datang Village, North Curup, Bengkulu which is carried out as a form of redemption for the obligation to pray from someone who has died. Fidyah is given in the form of gold, money, and fragrances through rituals full of spiritual symbolism. This study aims to understand how this tradition is practiced, as well as how it is positioned within the framework of normative Islamic law which generally does not allow the delegation of bodily worship such as prayer to others, either in the form of qadha or Fidyah. The method used is qualitative-descriptive with an ethnographic approach and case studies, through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and literature review of contemporary Islamic jurisprudence and jurisprudence. The results of the study show that Fidyah Semyang is a form of religious syncretism that develops from the interaction between Islamic teachings and local customary value structures. Although the practice has a strong social and spiritual function, it faces challenges from Islamic scholars and legal thinkers who consider the tradition to be a form of ‘urf fāsid (corrupt customs), as it lacks a solid basis in nash shari'i and can distort the correct understanding of worship in Islam. In conclusion, Fidyah Semyang reflects on the dynamics between cultural religious expression and normative Islamic authority, and shows how local Muslim communities negotiate their religious identities within the framework of ancestral heritage customs and traditions

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mizani

Publisher

Subject

Description

Focus and Scope FOCUS This journal aims to disseminate scholarly works related to research and discussions in the field of Contextualized Islamic Law, contributing to an enhanced understanding of Islamic law. Through the publication of articles and research reports, it seeks to advance knowledge and ...