Fenomena Perilaku Masyarakat dalam Tradisi Malam Selawe di Makam Sunan Giri, Gresik

Abstract

The Malam Selawe tradition represents a living form of religious–cultural practice within the Gresik community that continues to endure amid the pressures of modernity. This study aims to examine the implementation of the tradition, patterns of social interaction, community behavioral motives, and the role of social media in sustaining its continuity. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the research explores Malam Selawe as both a religious ritual and a social arena that reinforces communal cohesion and solidarity. The findings reveal that interactions occurring during the tradition reflect a collectively inherited habitus transmitted through cultural continuity. Community participation is driven by diverse motives, ranging from religious devotion and customary obligations to affective and pragmatic considerations. Furthermore, social media plays a significant role in transforming and preserving the tradition, particularly among younger generations, whose engagement extends beyond physical attendance to digital expressions across various platforms. These digital practices enable participants to share experiences, convey spiritual messages, and broaden the public visibility of the tradition. Overall, Malam Selawe demonstrates adaptive flexibility, maintaining its spiritual core while accommodating new forms of participation, thereby remaining a relevant space for religious and social value actualization in contemporary society.