HARMONIZATION OF ISLAM AND ADAT:

A STUDY OF ISLAMIC INDIGENIZATION OF THE PANGLIMA LAOT IN KUALA LANGSA, ACEH

Abstrak

This paper discusses the harmonization between Islam and Adat(local tradition) on the Fishermen community in Kuala Langsa, Aceh. Utilizing the concept of Islamic indigenization theory, researchers analyzed the encounter of Islam and Adat in the sacred rituals performed by PanglimaLaot. With Geertz's approach of cultural interpretation, researchers combined the concept of indigenization with Geertz culture symbol theory to find the meaning of the rituals performed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations of the daily behavior of fishing communities of Kuala Langsa from March to May 2015. This article shows that Islam and Adat within the Kuala Langsa community have blended into a tradition. This tradition can be observed in traditional rituals of laot. PanglimaLaot as a leader of AdatLaotholds a role to maintain the harmonization between adat and Islam. The result can be seen in every custom ritual as PanglimaLaot provided the same accommodation manners between Adat and Islam to equally perform each other without having to eliminate both identities. Islam is still displayed according to the belief by prioritizing its universal and substantive values. Adat remains at ritual ceremonies that have been entrenched for a long time. The harmonization of both in the ritual of Adat Laot, rejecting the view that Islam and Adat stand opposite to each other.
Keywords: Islam, Indigenization, Panglima Laot, Aceh