Living Sunnah in the Maulid al-Nabi Tradition: A Study of Religious Practices and the Implementation of Prophetic Values

Abstract

The Maulid al-Nabi tradition is not merely a commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but also serves as an important medium for representing and transmitting prophetic values to the Muslim community. This study aims to explore how the concept of Living Sunnah—the dynamic and contextual embodiment of the Prophet’s teachings—manifests within the religious practices of society through the celebration of Maulid al-Nabi. Employing a qualitative approach and a descriptive-analytical method, this research examines various forms of rituals, symbols, and religious narratives that emerge within the Maulid tradition, both in oral expressions and collective practices. The findings indicate that the Maulid tradition functions not only as a spiritual space but also as an educational and cultural arena that facilitates the internalization of values such as compassion (rahmah), moral exemplarity, social solidarity, and love for the Prophet. In this context, the Living Sunnah thrives through tangible practices and is transmitted intergenerationally via religious cultural expressions. This study reaffirms that the preservation of local religious traditions can serve as an effective strategy for maintaining the relevance and continuity of prophetic Islamic values in the daily life of the Muslim community.