Ngurisan: Interaction of Culture and Religiosity in Preserving Tradition and Weaving Togetherness in the Sasak Community, Lombok

Abstract

This study aims to conduct an in-depth examination of the Ngurisan tradition within the Sasak community in Lombok, an important ritual performed to celebrate the birth of a child. This tradition reflects a harmonious blend between Islamic teachings, particularly through the Aqiqah ceremony, and the rich cultural and symbolic values of the Sasak local wisdom. Ngurisan not only serves as an expression of gratitude to God but also as a means to affirm the cultural and religious identity of the Sasak people. Moreover, this tradition plays a central role in preserving ancestral cultural heritage and serves as a key element in strengthening social cohesion among community members. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach with ethnographic methods. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and literature studies during the Community Service-Learning (KKN-PPM) program in Lembar Selatan Village, Lombok, providing direct insights into the practice and meaning of Ngurisan. The findings reveal that Ngurisan has significant social functions within the Sasak community, not only as a religious ritual but also as a medium to connect community members, foster social solidarity, and create a sense of togetherness. This tradition symbolizes the continuity of the collective identity of the Sasak people, passed down from generation to generation. However, in the face of modernization and globalization, Ngurisan faces substantial challenges regarding its preservation. The traditional values embedded in this tradition are increasingly threatened by rapid social changes and a growing pragmatic mindset. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of preserving the Ngurisan tradition as a form of resistance against harmful social changes and as a means of maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion within the Sasak community. In conclusion, Ngurisan not only strengthens religiosity and culture but also plays a crucial role as a foundation for maintaining social unity amid the challenges of modernization and globalization.