The Jampi Serapah Tradition of the Akit Tribe in Berancah Village: An Islamic Educational Perspective

Abstract

The Jampi Serapah tradition is an indigenous healing practice maintained by the Akit community in Berancah Village, reflecting the interaction between ancestral beliefs, local wisdom, and Islamic religious influences. This study aims to examine the cultural and spiritual meanings of Jampi Serapah, identify patterns of religious acculturation, and explore its relevance to Islamic education. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving 12 informants, including traditional leaders, Jampi Serapah practitioners, community members who had experienced traditional healing, and elders knowledgeable about the tradition's historical development. The findings reveal that Jampi Serapah functions not only as a perceived healing practice but also as a means of preserving cultural identity, strengthening social solidarity, and transmitting traditional knowledge across generations. The primary evidence of religious acculturation is the integration of Islamic phrases such as "Langkah Allah langkah Muhammad" and "Langkah baginda Rasulullah" into indigenous incantations, which coexist with ancestral beliefs without erasing the community's original spiritual identity. From an Islamic educational perspective, the practice reflects potential values of gratitude, respect for elders, social responsibility, and cultural preservation. However, ritual elements involving beliefs in supernatural powers independent of Allah require critical theological examination based on the principle of tawhid. The study concludes that Jampi Serapah offers a potential contextual resource for Islamic education while requiring careful consideration of its theological compatibility.