The Ritual of Invisible Prayers at Al Zaytun: A Tradition of Knitting Eternal Brotherhood
By Ali Aminulloh
Tradition, a habit repeated by a community, has extraordinary power in shaping character and identity. In the eyes of Islamic teachings, tradition is known as “Urf”, a concept that is also recognized in Indonesian positive law with the enactment of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code which accommodates customary law as a consideration. As the rule of fiqh states, “al-Adatu Muhakkamatun” (customs and habits are legal considerations), tradition is not just a routine, but a foundation of values that strengthen the joints of society. Mahad Al-Zaytun, as an educational center that upholds the values of tolerance and peace, understands this essence very well. Various unique traditions have flourished within it, covering aspects of religion, education, sports, health, and even eating. One of the most interesting is the tradition of invisible prayers.
Invisible Prayers: From Occasional Rituals to Deep-Rooted Habits
Usually, absentee prayers are performed occasionally, when there is sad news. However, at Al-Zaytun, absentee prayers have become a deep-rooted tradition, performed routinely after every Friday prayer. After the Shaykh delivers the Friday dhikr, a list of names to be prayed for absentee is read, and the prayer is led directly by Shaykh Al-Zaytun. This tradition has been going on for more than 21 years, since October 2004. In absentee prayers are not only intended for the academic community of Mahad Al-Zaytun, but also for the families of the community, guardians of students, and even national and international figures. What is more touching is that these prayers go beyond the boundaries of belief. Interfaith figures, such as the late Pope Benedict, were also prayed for, showing how Al-Zaytun prioritizes universal humanitarian values. The application procedure is also simple: simply send the name, bin, relationship to the campus or position, age, and place of death. The education secretariat officer will summarize all the applications. Then it is submitted to the “2005 Office” – a name that is more familiar to the community than the official name of the Mahad Al-Zaytun Office, because of its extension number. Next, the data is submitted to Ustadz Abdul Halim, who then reads it in front of the Friday prayer congregation of the Rahmatan lil Alamin Mosque.
Empathy Without Limits: Numbers Speak the Story of Brotherhood
Data from the last five years is a silent witness to how this tradition of supernatural prayers has become deeply rooted. An average of 320 people are supernaturally prayed every year, or around 26 people every month. This figure fluctuates but consistently shows the high enthusiasm of the community to pray for those who have passed away. In 2020, 277 people were recorded, increasing to 396 in 2021, decreasing slightly in 2022 to 274, then increasing again to 345 in 2023, and decreasing slightly to 311 in 2024. As of mid-June 2025, 148 people had been proposed.
These numbers are not just statistics. Behind them lie stories of brotherhood that are timeless, even beyond the limits of life. This tradition of praying in absentia clearly shows that the bonds built at Al-Zaytun do not stop when someone dies. Empathy and joint prayers continue to flow from around 4,000 congregants of the Rahmatan lil Alamin Mosque, embracing those who have passed away in the framework of eternal brotherhood.
Epilogue:
Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, Mahad Al-Zaytun stands firm as a beacon that radiates the light of noble values. The tradition of the absentee prayer, which may seem simple, is a real manifestation of their commitment to humanity and unlimited brotherhood. This is not just a religious ritual, but a declaration that love and care know no boundaries, even when death separates. Isn’t this the essence of a healthy, intelligent, and humane civilization? A priceless legacy that we should reflect on and emulate.**
Gantar Indramayu, January 21, 2025
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