Islam Rimba: Islamic philosophy and local culture engagement in Sumatera

Abstract

This research aims to reveal the historical roots and elements of the background for the formation of the Orang Rimba’s religion. This study is based on field research with a descriptive approach of religious phenomenon. The research derives some conclusions: (1) the Orang Rimba is monotheist, that is, they are not adherents to dynamism, polytheism, or animism as it has been understood. (2) The history of the Orang Rimba’s religion is affected by two elements; namely, Rimba culture and Islamic culture. (3) Evidence suggests that Islam is one element of Orang Rimba’s religion as the following: (a) Mantra of Getting Honey, such as Basmallah, Allah, Istighfar, Muhammad and Ya Karim; (b) Orang Rimba Faith in God, the Prophet Muhammad, the Angel and Doomsday; (c) the values of the ceremony of Death: Ratib Laa Ilaha Illallah; and (d) the values of the ceremony Berdekir. (4) It has proved the existence of a new theory about the spread of Islam in the Suku Anak Dalam community since the 14th century and at the same time undermined the old theory of the Orang Rimba’s religion that has been misunderstood over the years.

Contribution: Researchers can use this new theory’s findings as reference material on the Orang Rimba’s religion (Suku Anak Dalam). They can also use this theory to compare other views about the Orang Rimba’s religion.