The Qur’anic mantras recited by Shamanic Santri in Java, Indonesia

The use of Qur'anic verses in shamanic practices by Javanese kyai (Muslim clergy) is not necessarily heretical or idolatrous (shirk). The practice has gained popularity because the kyai legitimize their mantras through normative arguments drawn from the Qur'an and classical salaf scholarship. Contrary to common assumptions that shamanism contradicts Islamic law, the article argues that when performed by santri or kyai, shamanism can be theologically justified. This provides a new perspective that shamanic healing within Javanese society is not always un-Islamic, as practitioners rely on sacred texts rather than forbidden magic.

Study at a glance

Abstract

To overcome various problems, the practice of shamanism has gained popularity in Javanese society. The belief of the society in this practice is increasing, mainly because of the involvement of the kyai (an honorific title of the Muslim clergy), who serves as a shaman. The kyai, in this regard, uses Qur’anic verses in his mantra. This study aims to reveal how the use of the Qur’anic verses is interpreted and legitimised in the practice of shamanism amongst the Javanese community. This article concluded that what people understand about the heresy practice of shamanism as it is considered contrary to religious law or shirk (idolatry) is not proven. The practice of shamanism carried out by santri or kyai has normative arguments and theological legitimacy from the Qur’an and books of salaf scholars.Contribution: It is prevailing that the practice of shamanism is often considered heresy and un-Islamic. This article however, will give a new insight that the practice of shamanism is not always against Islamic teaching as conducted by kyai because he always refers to the Qur’an as a mantra.