Nikah Malem Songo dalam Bingkai Islam Kultural: Akulturasi Islam dan Tradisi Lokal Masyarakat Pesisir Tuban

Abstract

Religious traditions in Indonesia often reflect a blend of Islamic teachings and local cultural practices that have developed within society. One clear example is the Nikah Malem Songo tradition found in the coastal area of Tuban, East Java. This study aims to identify the form of acculturation between Islamic values and local culture in this practice, as well as to examine its philosophical meaning and relevance in the modern era. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on analyzing the religious and cultural values embedded in the tradition.the findings indicate that Nikah Malem Songo represents a form of cultural Islam that continues to uphold the essential pillars and legal requirements of marriage in Islam. At the same time, it is enriched with cultural elements, such as the selection of a specific nighttime for the ceremony and the symbolic use of the number nine, which is associated with the Wali Songo. This tradition embodies values of blessing, respect for religious scholars, and the strengthening of the community’s social and cultural identity.from an Islamic perspective, this practice is acceptable as long as it does not contradict the principles of Islamic law. Despite facing the challenges of modernization, Nikah Malem Songo remains relevant as a form of local wisdom that should be preserved wisely and proportionally.