Tasawuf, Modernitas, Sufism, Modernity, and Javanese Culture: Recontextualizing Sufi Values ​​in the *Bima Suci* Play: Rekontekstualisasi Nilai-Nilai Sufistik Dalam Lakon Bima Suci

Fadjar Adji Nuryanto (UIN Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto)
M. Slamet Yahya (Universitas Islam Negeri Prof.K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto)

SUARGA : Studi Keberagamaan dan Keberagaman
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Religious Inclusivity, Cultural Resilience, and Contemporary Social Dynamics in

Modernity, characterized by the advancement of digital technology, materialistic orientations, social competition, and changing lifestyles, has brought various conveniences while simultaneously giving rise to spiritual challenges, including alienation, anxiety, a loss of meaning in life, and diminished self-control. This study aims to analyze the relevance of Sufi practices in addressing the challenges of modern life and to identify representations of Sufi values in Bratasena’s spiritual journey in the Bima Suci wayang narrative. This study employs a qualitative method with a literature-based approach, involving the inventory, selection, critical examination, and classification of literature related to Sufism, modernity, and wayang traditions. The data are analyzed descriptively, analytically, and comparatively. The findings indicate that Sufism remains relevant through the actualization of muhasabah (self-examination), dhikr (remembrance of God), riyadhah (spiritual discipline), mujahadah (spiritual struggle), zuhd (ascetic detachment from worldly concerns), sabr (patience), tawakkul (reliance on God), qana’ah (contentment), and ridha (acceptance of divine will). These practices contribute to fostering a balance among spiritual, moral, material, and social dimensions of life. These values symbolically correspond to Bratasena’s journey in search of Tirta Perwitasari, his entry into the Samudra Minangkalbu, his confrontation with various obstacles, and his eventual encounter with Dewa Ruci. This journey represents a process of self-discipline, the search for self-identity, and inner transformation. The study concludes that the Bima Suci narrative can serve as a cultural medium for contextualizing Sufi values without directly equating Javanese spiritual traditions with Islamic theological concepts. This integration of Sufism and local culture demonstrates the potential of spirituality to serve as a foundation for cultivating modern individuals who are religiously grounded, ethically conscious, reflective, and socially responsible.