Between Mosque and Mountain: A Qualitative Glimpse into the Spiritual Tug of War in Kampung Mahmud
Kampung Mahmud, located on the southern edge of Bandung, is a small but historically significant village. For centuries, this community has served as a spiritual meeting point between the teachings of Islam and deeply rooted Sundanese traditions. The presence of both the mosque and the surrounding natural landscape reflects a symbolic tension between religious doctrine and local cultural heritage.
This study employs a qualitative approach to explore how residents of Kampung Mahmud negotiate their religious and cultural identities. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, focusing on daily practices, ritual activities, and community narratives.
Findings reveal that the relationship between Islam and Sundanese tradition is not one of opposition, but of coexistence and negotiation. While Islamic teachings are firmly upheld, ancestral customs such as visiting sacred sites, conducting communal rituals, and maintaining respect for nature remain integral to community life. The “mountain” here represents not merely the past, but a living spiritual force that continues to shape contemporary identity.
Kampung Mahmud thus emerges as a living archive of Sundanese Islam, where historical Islamization, cultural resilience, and modern religious discourses intersect. In the face of growing religious homogenization and global influences, the community offers a compelling example of localized religious expression that maintains both faith and cultural distinctiveness.
This study underscores the importance of local contexts in understanding the diversity of Islamic practices in Indonesia. Religious life in Kampung Mahmud is not solely defined by textual doctrine, but by everyday negotiations between mosque and mountain between universal faith and local tradition.
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Author: Gelar Aulia, S.Sos.
Researcher & School Administration Officer
West Java, Indonesia