The Art of Sintren Performance in the Perspective of Islamic Education in Tegal Society

Abstract

This study analyzes the Sintren performing art in Tegal from the perspective of Islamic education, focusing on its historical transformation from a pre-Islamic ritual into an acculturated cultural medium that conveys Islamic moral values. Using a qualitative approach through observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis involving performers and audiences, the research examines symbolic elements within the performance. The findings show that Sintren contains religious symbols and moral teachings such as sincerity, purity, ukhuwah, and respect for parents, with mystical elements now reinterpreted as symbols of spiritual transformation. The study concludes that Sintren functions not only as entertainment and cultural preservation but also as a form of cultural dakwah that aligns with Islamic values when practiced within the principles of tauhid.