The Manifestation of Hadith in an Elderly Islamic Boarding School: A Living Hadith Study at the Kasepuhan Raden Rahmat, Semarang Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This study is a living hadith research that aims to examine the manifestation of hadith within the ecosystem of an elderly Islamic boarding school at Pondok Pesantren Kasepuhan Raden Rahmat, Semarang Regency. Employing a qualitative approach through phenomenological and sociology of knowledge perspectives, this study analyzes how hadith is received, interpreted, and actualized within the pesantren ecosystem. The findings reveal that the establishment of the pesantren was inspired by the hadith concerning Uwais al-Qarni, particularly the value of birr al-wālidayn (filial piety), which was subsequently transformed into an institutional model responsive to the social and spiritual needs of the elderly. The study further demonstrates a dialectical process between hadith texts, individual understanding, and social reality, resulting in the internalization of values such as the enhancement of righteous deeds, awareness of mortality, and orientation toward husn al-khatimah. These values are embodied in daily practices, including intensive worship such as night prayers, dhikr, and Qur’anic learning, reflecting what may be termed embodied piety. Furthermore, the pesantren’s guiding concept of “Olah Rogo, Olah Jiwo, and Olah Roso” illustrates the integration of Islamic teachings with local cultural wisdom in fostering the physical, spiritual, and social well-being of the elderly. This study contributes theoretically to the development of Living Hadith scholarship, particularly within the framework of Islamic gerontology, by presenting an empirical model of how hadith is transformed from a normative text into lived social practice and institutional form. Conceptually, it demonstrates the integration of Islamic values with local cultural traditions in elderly care. Practically, it offers a model of community-based spiritual development for the elderly that is adaptive and relevant to contemporary societal needs.