Islamic Philanthropy Embedded in Merdi Desa Local Wisdom: A Phenomenological Study in Rogodadi Kebumen

Kuni Safingah; Nurchamidah Nurchamidah; Nurlaela Nurlaela; Fakih Hamdani

doi:10.61650/ajis.v4i2.1249

Authors

Kuni Safingah Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Indonesia
Nurchamidah Nurchamidah Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Indonesia
Nurlaela Nurlaela Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Indonesia
Fakih Hamdani Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61650/ajis.v4i2.1249

Keywords:

Islamic philanthropy, local wisdom, Merdi Desa, lived religion, community empowerment

Abstract

Merdi Desa in Rogodadi, Buayan, Kebumen is an annual village tradition that connects religious gratitude, mutual assistance, cultural performance, local economic activity, and care for a shared water source. This study examines how Islamic philanthropic values are embedded in the tradition and how they are reproduced through community participation. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study involved 20 participants drawn purposively from key stakeholder groups. Fieldwork at Sendang Pelus combined participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, documentation, and a focus group discussion during a three-month engagement that included direct observation of the 3-6 September 2025 ritual cycle. Data were interpreted thematically with source and method triangulation, member checking, and researcher reflexivity. The findings identify three interconnected dimensions: spiritual gratitude, socio-economic solidarity, and ecological-cultural stewardship. Bersih Luweng mobilizes collective care for the water source; voluntary contributions, buffalo-meat distribution, and Tenongan circulate resources; while Lenggeran and Dondangan sustain cultural participation and intergenerational learning. The article proposes 'embedded village philanthropy' to explain how Islamic ethics of giving, reciprocity, redistribution, and care can operate through a recurring local institution rather than only through formal charitable organizations.

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