Saturday Night Kliwonan Jamaah Kabatullah Indonesia: Tradition of Silaturahim, Dhikr, and Firmness of Commitment
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS.COM – In the midst of the rapid flow of change in the era, there is one spiritual tradition that continues to grow and is maintained with full loyalty: Kliwonan Jamaah Kabatullah. This tradition has taken root as a means of silaturahim and spiritual strengthening, not only in the Al-Zaytun environment, but also reaching the surrounding community, especially Indramayu and Cirebon.
This tradition was initiated and preserved by Syaykh Al-Zaytun, Abdussalam Panji Gumilang, MP, as part of the mission of cultural da’wah and strengthening Islamic values in community life.
*Two Kliwonan: One Spirit, Two Scopes*
Kliwonan has become a routine activity that is carried out consistently every Friday Kliwon and Saturday Kliwon night, each with different characters and participants. Friday Kliwonan is attended by the academic community of Mahad Al-Zaytun and has been going on since 2010. Initially held in the Masyikah room, then moved to the Rahmatan lil Alamin Mosque, but its spirit and essence are still maintained to this day.
Meanwhile, Saturday Kliwonan is a special agenda for Jamaah Kabatullah Indonesia (JKI), an organization founded by Syaykh Abdussalam Panji Gumilang in 2014. JKI was born as a form of commitment to maintain ties of friendship, especially after the nomination of Mrs. Anis Khoirunnisa as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives which has not succeeded in bringing her to Senayan. As a response to the mandate and aspirations of the people, JKI was formed whose members come from various regions in Indramayu, Cirebon Regency and City, and its surroundings.
*Meaningful Series*
Every Saturday Kliwon night, around 1,200 congregants come to fill the Mahad area. They are welcomed with a dinner together, creating an atmosphere of intimacy before the event begins. The Saturday night activities of Kliwonan (06/06/2025) were opened with congregational prayers and the completion of the Al-Quran, which were carried out collectively by 30 readers, each reading one juz of the Al-Quran. Other participants recited memorized holy verses, continuing the spiritual harmony that was increasingly felt.
The event continued with the istighasah dhikr of Thariqah Zaytuniyah, the reading of Asmaul Husna and Asmaun Nabi, then closed with a prayer together that touched the heart. This tradition not only strengthens the relationship with Allah, but also strengthens relationships between each other.
In a warm and brotherly atmosphere, participants from various regions were given the opportunity to deliver remarks. Representatives from JKI Indramayu, JKI Cirebon, and JKI women expressed their hopes and impressions. Community leaders were also present as guests of honor. The peak moment was the delivery of a national and community message from the Chairman of JKI, Syafruddin Ahmad, SH., MH, who also periodically submitted reports on the acquisition of donations and accumulation of JKI savings as a form of independence and economic participation of the community.
*Never Absent, Even in Difficult Times*
Since it was first held, Kliwonan has never been absent even once, including when approaching Eid al-Fitr or during the Covid-19 pandemic. In any condition, the event continues with adjustments and implementation of health protocols. This shows the strength of intention, as well as the firmness of commitment of the implementers and congregation.
Not only that, Kliwonan is also a vehicle for social empowerment. Every Ramadan and Dzulhijah, JKI distributes Ramadan and Dzulhijah Bakti Packages to those who are entitled to receive them, expanding the blessings of dhikr into a real social movement.
*Religious Tourism Space and Figure Appreciation*
For some congregations, Kliwonan is also a place for religious tourism. They come not only to worship, but also to get to know Mahad Al-Zaytun better, have a dialogue, and strengthen the brotherhood with fellow participants from various regions.
Various community leaders are consistently present, providing encouragement and appreciation. Among them are Ustadz Ahmad Royani from Bugis Anjatan, Drs. H. Ibrahim from Tukdana, Ust. Ahmad Khumaidi from Sukagumiwang, Ust. Yusuf from Kertasari Cirebon, and Ustadz Mansyur from Ujung Gebang Cirebon, who routinely bring their congregation to participate in the spiritual excitement of Kliwon night.
The activity usually ends with congregational Isya prayer at around 20.30 WIB, before the participants return to their respective homes with peaceful and blessed hearts.
*Effirmation of Values: An Irreplaceable Commitment*
More than just a religious ritual, Kliwonan is a manifestation of the values of spirituality, togetherness, and love for the enlightening Islamic tradition. It is proof that in the midst of the challenges of the times, there is still room to revive the spirit of brotherhood, strengthen ties, and bind hearts in the values of goodness.
This tradition is also the embodiment of an important principle in Islam:
“_Al-muhafazhatu ‘ala al-qadim ash-shalih wal akhdu bil-jadid al-ashlah_”
(maintaining good old traditions and taking new things that are better).
With this principle,Kliwonan not only maintain what is already good,but continues to open itself to renewal that brings wider beneficts.
In the midst of a society that is increasingly divided by busyness and differences,Kliwonan is present as a reinforcement of collective commitment.That building a civillization cannot be separated from spirituality,freinship,and sincere social concern.An example from Syaykh Abdussalam Panji Gumilang who Made da’wah not just a verbal invitation,but a real movement that touches the hearts and lives of the people.**
Ali Aminulloh
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