Abstract

The tradition of the death Slametan remains one of the most prominent religious rituals among Javanese communities, particularly in rural areas. This practice embodies the convergence of religious devotion and cultural expression. For the Javanese, death ceremonies mark significant milestones within the life cycle. While the Slametan serves as a rite for the living, prayer offerings are directed towards the deceased. This article examines the continuity of the Slametan death tradition amidst the influence of global culture and interprets it as a form of religious articulation rooted in local society. Employing a qualitative descriptive methodology, the research incorporates observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation as key methods of data collection. One interpretation situates this tradition as a religious expression among the residents of Bangunrejo Kidul, Kedunggalar, Ngawi, East Java, reflecting reverence towards ancestral spirits. The tradition unfolds through a series of ritual phases, including geblag, nelung dina, mitung dina, matang puluh dina, nyatus dina, nyewu, mendhak pisan, mendhak pindha, mendhak telu (nyewu), and haul (ngirim donga). Each stage represents a religious manifestation among rural populations and is viewed as a form of rural Sufism. These rites are imbued with Islamic religious values, including sermons (tausiyah), devotional chants (shalawat), prayer recitations, verses from the Al-Qur’an, and dhikr (tahlilan). Additionally, the communal death prayer plays a vital role in reinforcing social cohesion. It provides an occasion for villagers to come together, offering collective prayers for the deceased, thereby nurturing a spirit of unity, harmony, and social order. This practice exemplifies a communal fulfilment of both religious faith and social piety.