Traditional Beliefs in Indonesia : A Study of Animism, Dynamism, Javanese, Sunda Wiwitan, And Kaharingan in Islamic Perspective

Authors

  • Khairul Anwar Islamic Education Management, State Islamic Institut Curup, Indonesia
  • Najamuddin Najamuddin Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini (PG-PAUD), Universitas Hamzanwadi, Indonesia
  • Muhammad Iqbal Department of Basic Education, University of Bina Bangsa Getsempena, Aceh, Indonesia
  • Abather Rahi Saadoon Professor in Archaeology and Ancient studies Kerbala University College of Education for Humanities,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.68151/jmn.v1i1.1

Keywords:

Beliefs, Animism, Dynamism, Kejawen, Sunda Wiwitan, Kaharingan, Islamic

Abstract

Indonesia has a diversity of belief systems that have developed since before the arrival of major religions. Some of these belief systems persist today as part of the cultural identity of the community, including Animism, Dynamism, Kejawen, Sunda Wiwitan, and Kaharingan. This study aims to describe the history, teachings, and characteristics of these various belief systems and analyze them from an Islamic perspective. The study used a qualitative approach with library research. Data were obtained through the study of books, scientific journals, and various relevant literature, then analyzed using content analysis techniques. The results show that each belief system has a historical background, a concept of divinity, and religious practices that differ according to the culture of its supporting community. Animism and dynamism are based on beliefs in spirits and supernatural powers that are believed to influence human life, while Kejawen, Sunda Wiwitan, and Kaharingan developed as belief systems that integrate local cultural values, customs, and spirituality. From an Islamic perspective, any form of belief that includes worship, supplication, or glorification of other than God contradicts the principle of monotheism. Nevertheless, Islam still teaches respect for the diversity of society through a preaching approach that is carried out wisely, argumentatively, and full of wisdom

Author Biographies

Najamuddin Najamuddin, Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini (PG-PAUD), Universitas Hamzanwadi, Indonesia

Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini (PG-PAUD), Universitas Hamzanwadi, Indonesia

Muhammad Iqbal, Department of Basic Education, University of Bina Bangsa Getsempena, Aceh, Indonesia

Department of Basic Education, University of Bina Bangsa Getsempena, Aceh, Indonesia

Abather Rahi Saadoon, Professor in Archaeology and Ancient studies Kerbala University College of Education for Humanities,

Professor in Archaeology and Ancient studies Kerbala University College of Education for Humanities, 

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Anwar, K., Najamuddin, N., Iqbal, M., & Saadoon, A. R. (2026). Traditional Beliefs in Indonesia : A Study of Animism, Dynamism, Javanese, Sunda Wiwitan, And Kaharingan in Islamic Perspective. Journal of Multidisiplinary Nusantara, 1(1), 40–49. https://doi.org/10.68151/jmn.v1i1.1