Assistance in the Religious Life of Communities Performing the Friday Night Yasinan Ritual Tradition in Garut Regency

Abstract

This community service program aims to provide guidance to those performing the Friday night Yasinan ritual to help them understand the meaning, values, and religious behaviors inherent in the tradition. This activity also aims to explore the religious, social, cultural, and tolerance values ​​inherent in the Yasinan practice and to encourage the community to respond wisely to differences in religious traditions. The community service method uses a qualitative approach through interviews and direct involvement in the implementation of the Friday night Yasinan ritual. This approach allows the community members to understand the community's religious practices based on their experiences and the meanings they attach to the traditions passed down through generations. Culture and tradition are important elements in shaping human character, which develops through the family, community, educational, and broader social environments. Religious values, norms, and behaviors are instilled through socialization, enculturation, and internalization. In the Muslim community, the Friday night Yasinan tradition is still maintained by some communities, particularly the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) group, while others choose to recite Surah Al-Kahf or forgo special rituals on Friday nights. These differences demonstrate the diversity of religious practices that must be addressed with mutual respect. The Yasinan tradition has spiritual and social values, including accustoming people to reading the Quran, strengthening memorization, praying for deceased family members, strengthening ties, and building solidarity through togetherness and a post-event meal. Therefore, differences in religious practices should not be a source of conflict, but rather a space for building tolerance, respect, and harmony in community life.