Viral Haji Bawakaraeng in Gowa South Sulawesi, Tradition of Performing Hajj not in the Holy Land but on the Mountain Peak

Viral Haji Bawakaraeng di Gowa Sulsel, Tradisi Naik Haji Bukan di Tanah Suci Melainkan di Puncak Gunung

"Viral Haji Bawakaraeng in Gowa South Sulawesi, Tradition of Performing Hajj Not in the Holy Land But on the Mountain Peak"

Dream - We already understand that the hajj pilgrimage can only be performed in the Holy Land, Mecca. This fifth pillar of Islam has certain pillars and requirements. But in South Sulawesi, there is a group of residents suspected of conducting a series of hajj rituals on Mount Bawakaraeng, Gowa. Their activities have gone viral on social media. In a video uploaded by the Instagram account @makassar_iinfo, several residents can be seen climbing a steep rocky mountain while wearing ihram clothing.

Mount Bawakaraeng is always the destination of mystical ritual followers before celebrating Eid al-Adha. This ritual is known as "Haji Bawakaraeng", a practice that has been passed down through generations by the local community. Its followers believe that they can perform the pilgrimage from the mountain peak, just like performing the pilgrimage in the Holy Land.

Viral Haji Bawakaraeng in Gowa South Sulawesi, Tradition of Performing Hajj not in the Holy Land but on the Mountain Peak

The followers of this ritual come in groups through the access of Tassoso Village, Manjannang, and Lembanna, heading to the peak of Mount Bawakaraeng with an altitude of 2,883 meters above sea level (MASL).

Safri, a resident of Gowa Regency, said that the tradition of Haji Bawakaraeng is no longer something new. "They come from several districts in South Sulawesi in groups on the H-3 before Eid al-Adha, bringing offerings for the safety ritual, such as sticky rice, eggs, chicken, and goats towards the peak of Mount Bawakaraeng," said Safri, quoted from Liputan6.com, Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Safri admitted to conducting research in 2002 regarding the historical pilgrimage to Gunung Bawakaraeng. According to Safri, literally, Bawakaraeng means mouth (bawa) and the Creator (karaeng). "Ecologically, this mountain has a strategic position as it serves as a water source for Gowa Regency, Makassar City, Bantaeng Regency, Bulukumba Regency, and Sinjai Regency. And Gunung Bawakaraeng is a series of mountains in the Lompobattang National Park," said Safri.

Another version of the story says that in the past there was someone who really wanted to go on a pilgrimage, then he received a whisper to climb Mount Bawakaraeng instead of going on the pilgrimage. The person then climbed Mount Bawakaraeng to perform the pilgrimage, then prayed the Eid prayer and made a sacrifice on top of Mount Bawakaraeng.

According to Safri, that is just an old belief and mystical ritual associated with Islam. So, until now, there are still many people who want to go on a pilgrimage to the top of Bawakaraeng.

"In several high mountain areas, there are many neatly arranged piles of large mountain rocks that are believed by the local residents to be ancient burial sites. The local residents (from Gowa) have been respecting its existence for generations, often conducting special rituals to preserve their ancestors' traditions on Mount Bawakaraeng," Safri said. He added that the community group that still performs the Haji Bawakaraeng ritual consists of residents from Gowa, Maros, Pangkep, Wajo, Takalar, Bantaeng, Sinjai, and even from West Sulawesi, namely Mamuju."

"However, their arrival at the mountain is to seek safety, sustenance, and also other special requests from the Almighty. And they climb the mountain to pray and make sacrifices like people usually do during Eid in open fields."
tutur Safri.

"dream.co.id"

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"Viral Haji Bawakaraeng in Gowa South Sulawesi, Tradition of Performing Hajj Not in the Holy Land But on the Mountain Peak"

"However, their arrival at the mountain is to seek safety, sustenance, and also other special requests from the Almighty. And they climb the mountain to pray and make sacrifices like people usually do during Eid in open fields."tutur Safri.

"However, their arrival at the mountain is to seek safety, sustenance, and also other special requests from the Almighty. And they climb the mountain to pray and make sacrifices like people usually do during Eid in open fields."
tutur Safri.