Munggahan: A Unique Tradition in Welcoming Ramadhan by Sundanese Women

UIII, TASIKMALAYA - On 6 March 2024, I had the privilege of participating in a Munggahan event, a Sundanese tradition where women come together to strengthen their bonds and spiritually before starting the fasting month of Ramadhan. This gathering, which reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Sundanese people, underscores the importance of unity and support among community members.

During Munggahan, Sundanese women engage in various activities such as reciting prayers, reading the Quran, and sharing meals. Through these gatherings, they deepen their understanding of Islamic traditions and values and reinforce the sense of solidarity within their community. This gathering, which occurs at the end of the month of Sya'ban, has become deeply ingrained in Sundanese society.

It is observed that women of all ages come together at a mosque or Madrasah Diniyyah (religious school) in their hometown to partake in the Munggahan festivities. I experienced firsthand the joy and camaraderie that permeates these gatherings. As we recited prayers and read the Quran together, I felt a profound sense of unity and shared purpose. The shared meals, filled with laughter and stories, served as a reminder of the deep bonds of friendship and support that these women share.

In the city of Tasikmalaya, West Java, the role of women in organizing the Munggahan is particularly active and central. This is evident in the way these women collaboratively prepare dishes like cuhcur (Indonesian kind of fritters made of flour and brown sugar), kolak (sweet coconut milk with banana), and nasi liwet (steamed rice) for Munggahan, demonstrating their role in blending Sundanese tradition with Islamic culture.

When I asked an elderly woman participating in the event about the costs of the Munggahan, she wisely replied, "Everyone should distribute their money based on their capabilities. The goal of Munggahan is to foster human interaction and pray for those who have passed away." This highlights the communal nature of the celebration and its emphasis on charity and community connection.

Furthermore, as the woman noted, the essence of Munggahan lies in its focus on community and charity. By distributing their resources based on their capabilities, the women ensure that no one is left behind and that the celebration is a true expression of communal love. This spirit of giving and togetherness is a powerful reminder of the blessings we receive when we put others before ourselves.

In my perspective, the Munggahan event exemplified the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad, who always aimed to bring happiness to his followers. As narrated in the book al-Mawaidh al-Ushfuriyyah by Muhammad bin Abu Bakar, the Prophet instructed his companions to always seek out joyful occasions: “Whoever gives happiness and joy to the hearts of his Muslim brothers while in the world, then Allah SWT will create angels who will ward off all calamities from him.”

This principle is beautifully embodied in Munggahan tradition, where even the act of preparing for a holy month is imbued with joyous celebration, representing the acts of love and generosity. Whether it's through the shared laughter and stories during gatherings, the collaborative cooking of delicious dishes, or the thoughtful exchange of gifts, these acts of kindness create an atmosphere of joy and unity that echoes into the lives of all who participate.

As part of Generation Z, I have continued this living tradition with my neighbors on campus and through social media. Especially among women's circles, we celebrate Munggahan by exchanging Ramadhan cards and gifts, and participating in Tarhib Ramadhan (a tradition of staying awake and praying together). For me, as a Gen-Z Muslim woman, Ramadhan fasting is not only a spiritual struggle against temptation, but it also brings joy and a sense of pride in there.

Hence, embracing Munggahan as part of the Ramadhan preparations highlights the interconnectedness of cultural and religious practices. It serves as a reminder that while individuals come from diverse backgrounds, they can find common ground in their shared beliefs and customs. Munggahan exemplifies the spirit of inclusivity and harmony, illustrating how different cultural traditions can enrich the experience of observing religious rituals like Ramadhan.

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