The Kojan Dance as A Manifestation of Living Hadith in The Maulid Nabi Tradition of Mlangi

Abstract

Modernization and rapid technological advances have opened wide access to foreign cultures, resulting in the increasing attraction of communities—especially younger generations—to external cultural practices. This shift has contributed to the gradual fading of traditional customs and rituals in many regions of Indonesia. However, such a tendency does not apply to the people of Mlangi, Sleman, who have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving their ancestral heritage. One of the most prominent examples is the Kojan Dance, a traditional performance presented during the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Maulid Nabi) at the Pathok Negoro Mosque. More than an artistic expression, the Kojan Dance functions as a medium for religious devotion and social solidarity. This study aims to comprehensively examine the origins of the Kojan Dance, its implementation practices, and its meaning as a representation of hadith values within the Maulid Nabi tradition. By employing a qualitative approach with phenomenological methods, the research seeks to uncover not only the external form of the performance but also the lived experiences and spiritual meanings perceived by its practitioners. Data were collected through indirect observation, semi-structured interviews with key community figures and participants, and documentation of textual and visual materials related to the event. The findings reveal that the Kojan Dance embodies a unique blend of spiritual, aesthetic, and social values. It reflects the Mlangi community’s enduring love for the Prophet Muhammad, expressed through coordinated bodily movements, rhythmic chants, and the recitation of shalawat from the Syarafil Anam text. Beyond its function as part of the Maulid celebration, the Kojan Dance stands as a tangible manifestation of “living hadith”—the practice of translating prophetic values into everyday life—while simultaneously strengthening intergenerational transmission of Islamic teachings and local wisdom. This study thus contributes to the growing discourse on Living Hadith by demonstrating how local cultural expressions can serve as effective vehicles for preserving religious values in the context of modernization.