The Evolution of Sijujju' Sulo (Fire War) Tradition:

A Maqaid al-Shari’ah Perspective of the Socio-Cultural Practices in Indonesia’s Pongka Village

Abdul Syatar

Andi Muhammad Awaluddin Arfah

 

Abstract: This article explores the Sijujju' Sulo (Fire War) tradition in Pongka Village through the lens of maqaid al-shari'ah (objectives of Islamic law), examining how the ritual balances local cultural customs with Islamic legal principles. The article focuses on the benefits and potential harms of the tradition, assessing its socio-cultural, religious, and economic impacts on the community. The overall argument of this article is that local traditions like Sijujju' Sulo can be harmonised with Islamic principles, offering a model for integrating religious law with evolving socio-cultural practices. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, utilising interviews, field observations, and document analysis to gather data and by analysing the practice of Sijujju' Sulo through maqaid al-shari'ah, the article highlights the dynamic interaction between Islamic law and local traditions. The findings are framed within the concepts of maslahat (benefits) and mudharat (harms), central to Islamic legal theory. The results indicate that Sijujju' Sulo provides significant maslahat to the community, fostering social unity, environmental stewardship, and economic benefits. However, some mudharat are noted, particularly in terms of financial burdens and the challenges posed by large gatherings, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article also contributes to a broader understanding of how Islamic law can interact with cultural practices in modern contexts.