Haul Abah Guru Sekumpul as Religious Tradition of Banjar Society in the Perspective of Cultural Communication

Abstract

This research analyzes the tradition of Haul Abah Guru Sekumpul as a form of cultural communication in Banjar society in Martapura, South Kalimantan. This tradition is not only a religious commemoration of the figure of KH Muhammad Zaini bin Abdul Ghani (Abah Guru Sekumpul), but also a medium for conveying cultural and religious values symbolically and collectively. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, this study highlights how ritual elements such as Maulid recitation, collective prayer, pilgrimage, and community social participation represent symbolic communication that strengthens cultural identity, social cohesion, and communal spirituality. Values such as gotong royong, respect for ulama, exemplary living, and ukhuwah Islamiyah are internalized and passed on across generations through this tradition. In addition, social media plays an important role in expanding the reach of haul cultural communication globally, enabling virtual participation and distribution of cultural values to various regions. Thus, Haul Abah Guru Sekumpul functions as a dynamic cultural communication space, connecting the local community with the wider community within a religious and cultural framework.