The Night of Suro: Its Significance and Associated Practices

t Is Khodam?

Khodam is an Arabic term that means helper, guardian, or escort. In beliefs associated with the mystical realm, khodam is regarded to have a strong association with humans as supernatural beings that help or safeguard certain individuals. They can manifest in different forms, such as accompanying khodam thought to appear as a white tiger, dragon, snake, w

Ashura fast.
كَانَ يَوْمُ عَاشُورَاءَ يَوْمًا تُعَظِّمُهُ الْيَهُودُ وَتَتَّخِذُهُ عِيدًا فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ صُو

5. Jamasan Pusaka
Jamasan pusaka is a practice of 1 Suro conducted in order to maintain or preserve the heritage and memories of their ancestors. Heirlooms have a myriad of meanings behind their physical form. These are the results of creative work in the field of art and skills of

This night then became a special night among Javanese and Islamic communities. What makes special the night of 1 Suro? The special aspect of the night of 1 Suro is that Javanese people generally perform tirakatan rituals, lek-lekan (staying awake all night), and tuguran (self-reflection while praying). Read the full explana

ālimīn(a).

Meaning: “And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I hav

odness and grace.
KH Abdul Hamid also emphasizes the health merits of milk, specifically for children’s growth and development. According to him, milk has been referenced in the Quran and hadith as a drink rich in blessings. During the Isra’ Mi’raj event, Prophet Muhammad saw picked milk when Angel Gabr

st human desires.
This is why Javanese people avoid holding wedding celebrations during the month of Suro. The significance of the night of 1 Suro is that people will always walk with solemnity, people cleanse themselves physically and spiritually, perform introspection, express gratitude to God who creates life, then sustains the w

nk While Standing
A hadith states, “None of you should drink while standing, if he forgets, then he should vomit.” Drinking while standing can disturb the balance of fluids in the body and impair the digestive system. Carrying out drinking milk on 1 Muharram while sitting, following this recommendation, is part of the etiquette of drinking as demonstrate

on’s personality.
In Islam, there is discussion about whether khodam is actually a jinn or not. Some contemporary Salafi scholars and some views from Islamic history permit the use of khodam, if they are indeed considered as jinn, with certain conditions and limitations. Nevertheless, this view goes against the perspectives of some scholars, such as Imam Ahmad bin Hambal, who considers asking for help from jinn or utilizing them in certain contexts can lead

slamic) calendar.
On every night of 1 Suro, in several regions on Java Island, some people still practice it with inner conduct or spiritual practices and restraint. The Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia explains that the history of the night of 1 Suro originated with the palace wanting to introduce the Islamic calendar

“O Allah, our Lord, all praise is for You. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. All praise is for You. You are the Sovereign of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. All praise is for You. You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them. All praise is for You. You are the Truth. Your promise is true. The meeting with You is true. Your Word is true. Paradise is true. Hellfire is true. The prophets are true. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is true. The Hour is

SWT’s greatness.
Before experiencing this dire situation, Prophet Yunus left his obstinate people. They persisted in ignore him and associate partners with Allah SWT. This uncaring attitude was met with a direct rebuke from Allah SWT, which is written in His word in Surah Al Anb

or to polytheism.
As mentioned in Surah Al-Jin verse 6, asking for protection or help from jinn can lead to misguidance. The view of fiqh scholars like Prof. Wahbah Az Zuhaili emphasizes that asking for help from jinn in any form is a reprehensible act

het Muhammad SAW.
“From Abdullah Ibn Abbas ra said: “When the Prophet Muhammad saw fasted on the day of Ashura and ordered the companions to fast as well, they asked: “O Messenger of Allah, Ashura is a day that is glorified by the Jews and Christians.” Then the Prophet Muhammad saw said: “If so, Insha Allah next year we will also fast on the ninth day. Abdullah Ibn Abbas continued his story: “But before the next year came, the Prophet Muhammad saw had passed away.” [Narrated by Mu