The Symbolic Meaning and The Values of Islamic Education in Khataman Al-Qur’an

Abstract

Studies on the activities of the Khataman al-Qur’an (completing in Qur’anic reciting) have been carried out by many researchers, however, the studies more focused on ritual processions, the combination of local customs, as a requirement in wedding ceremonies, and others. In fact, there is a shift tendency for Khataman ritual activities, from traditional to large-scale celebrations and contestations. This article is to describe and analyze the perspectives of the parties involved in interpreting the activities of the Khataman ritual, as well as revealing the values of Islamic education contained. The research method is qualitative- ethnographic which relies on researchers as human instruments. The subjects of the study were determined by snowball sampling, while the main data collection techniques were participatory observation, in-depth interviews, documentation, and data triangulation. Data analysis was carried out simultaneously of selection, reduction, categorization and data theorization in a series of Khataman ritual events in Bogor Regency. The results show that the meanings contained in the rituals of the Qur'an can be grouped into exegetical, operational and positional meanings. Meanwhile, the values of Islamic education contained in a series of Khataman rituals in Bogor Regency include: the value of gratitude, patience and consistency, blessings, togetherness, generosity, and the value of appreciation or recognition. It is hoped that this research can also contribute to the field of living Qur'an, namely the study of how the Qur'an is understood, lived, and practiced in the daily lives of Muslims, especially in Bogor Regency.