The Mass Bald Tradition of Santri Tsamaroturroudloh, a Symbol of Shaving Yourself from Sin

RELAXING: The students of the Tsamaroturroudloh Islamic Boarding School Tegalsari, Banyuwangi, sit together in front of their hut

Every entering the month of Muharram, Pondok Pesantren Tsamaroturroudloh Tegalsari, Banyuwangi, has a unique tradition. The students shaved their heads and fasted.

This tradition has been carried out since the 1970s by the founder and caretaker of the pesantren at that time, KH Nuruddin Qosim. Until now, the tradition continues under the guidance of his son, Gus Sholehudin.

Every year, the bald ritual is not only followed by local students. Students from other pesantren who are interested in mass baldness are also allowed to join. After undergoing a bare procession, they fast on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the first, second, and third week.

Then, on the fourth week of Muharram, they fast, starting on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, to Thursday. Meanwhile, students who are not shaved – like female students – undergo white fasting. "If he is not bald, he must fast white. Which means, a symbol of sincerity in serving God," explained Gus Sholehudin.

Meanwhile, the procession of baldness is interpreted as a symbol of shaving oneself from sin. Santri who undergo the procession are expected to have stronger self-control to avoid a number of temptations. Especially those related to molimo (play, thief, madat, drunk, madon (adultery).

"By shaving bald, students behave well to themselves and others. Let them not be arrogant (arrogant)," he said.

For those outside the pesantren, baldness is synonymous with kanuragan. This opinion was not rejected by Gus Soleh. Only, the meaning is to avoid a commotion. For students who have immune knowledge, they may not be staged or exhibited in attractions.

"Immunity is not to be tested, if you hold a sickle, don't be careful, you will get hurt," he chuckled.

Meanwhile, santri who undergo the bald tradition are a form of obeying the rules of the pesantren. They have followed the procession since the first time they lived in the pesantren. One of the students, Agus Muamar, 23, said that during the four years he was studying, he regularly shaved his hair.

"I've been four years old, yes, I'm bald every month in Suro," said the student from Palembang, South Sumatra.

Source: Jawapos.com