Qur’anic and Hadith-Based Documentation of the Taʿbūt (Tabuik) Mourning Ceremony in Indonesia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Candidate in Persian Language and Literature, Higher Education Complex of Language, Literature, and Culturology

2 PhD in Qur’anic Exegesis and Sciences; Faculty Member, University of Qur’anic Sciences and Hadith

Abstract

The procession and performance of the symbolic coffin (taʿbūt) are practiced in various societies on the occasion of commemorating the martyrdom of the Infallibles (peace be upon them) in different countries. The Holy Qur’an refers to the Ark of the Covenant (Tabut al-ʿAhd), and similar practices existed among Iranian peoples prior to Islam. Among Shiite communities in Iran, Iraq, India, Indonesia, and the Caribbean islands, rituals of coffin procession are observed.
Indonesian Shiites adopted the taʿbūt ceremony from Shiite soldiers of Indian origin, and today it is performed with great splendor in some Indonesian cities during the first ten days of Muharram, particularly on the Day of Ashura, in remembrance of the martyrs of Karbala. Considering the philosophy of the taʿbūt mourning ritual—which is held to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) and his companions—it can be regarded as part of the divine rites (shaʿāʾir Allāh) and thus as an act with spiritual reward. Religious exegetes and scholars believe that the Qur’anic verse concerning the “veneration of divine rites” encompasses a wide range of practices, including anything imbued with religious significance and aligned with divine objectives. Mourning and preserving the memory of God’s chosen ones are accepted practices in Islam, and honoring their status and dignity accords with Qur’anic teachings and Islamic law. Since the taʿbūt ceremony evokes the memory of the martyrs of Karbala and portrays scenes of their courage, sacrifice, and devotion in the path of God, it is considered free from objection.

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Scientific Biannual Journal of Language and Culture of Nations
Volume 8, Issue 16
December 2025
Pages 179-198

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