CHAPTER IV

Results, Analysis & Discussion

The Factors of Mawlud Celebration

The context given provides an operational definition of "cultural" as the customs, beliefs,

practices, and traditions that are shared and passed down within a specific community or group,

such as the Badjao clans residing in Karagasan, Zamboanga City, who commemorate the

Maulud. It pertains to the distinct way of life, principles, and personality of a community, which

are influenced by their history, geography, language, and religion. Cultural practices are deeply

embedded and reflect the societal standards, roles, and expectations, often viewed as an

indispensable component of their identity and legacy.

Informant 1: One of the most significant cultural factors of Mawlud celebration is the sense of

community it fosters, according to this person. People from all walks of life come together to

celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad, creating a strong bond of unity and togetherness.

Informant 2: The cultural aspect of Mawlud celebration is particularly important to this person,

who values tradition. This annual event allows reflection on the teachings of the Prophet and

honors his legacy in a way that has been passed down through generations.

Informant 3: Mawlud celebration is a time to remember the importance of compassion and

generosity, according to this person. These values are deeply ingrained in many cultures around

the world, and this cultural factor serves as a reminder to always treat others with kindness and

empathy.
Informant 4: This person finds the music and poetry that are often a part of Mawlud celebration

to be a significant cultural factor. These artistic expressions serve as a powerful way to connect

with others and celebrate the life of the Prophet.

Informant 5: This person appreciates how Mawlud celebration allows the exploration of different

cultural practices and customs. This aspect of the event is particularly meaningful to this

individual who values diversity.

Informant 6: One of the cultural factors of Mawlud celebration that this person finds particularly

interesting is the different interpretations and traditions surrounding the holiday. Each culture has

its own unique way of celebrating, creating a fascinating tapestry of diversity.

Informant 7: Mawlud celebration is a time to reflect on the importance of education and

scholarship in many cultures, according to this person. This cultural factor is a reminder of the

power of knowledge and the need to continue learning throughout our lives.

Informant 8: This person appreciates how Mawlud celebration encourages thinking about the

role of faith in our lives. This cultural factor is a reminder of the importance of spiritual well-

being and the need to cultivate a strong relationship with the divine.

Informant 9: The food that is often a part of Mawlud celebration is a cultural factor that this

person greatly enjoys. From traditional sweets to savory dishes, the culinary offerings are a

delicious way to connect with others and celebrate the occasion.

Informant 10: Mawlud celebration is a time to come together and share stories about the Prophet,

as well as other cultural tales and traditions. This cultural factor is a powerful way to build

community and strengthen relationships.

Informant 11: The act of giving and serving others is a key cultural factor of Mawlud

celebration. This aspect of the event, according to this person, is a reminder of the importance of

helping those in need and spreading love and compassion in our communities.

In the context of the Maulud celebration among Badjao families in Karagasan, Zamboanga City,

the term "Islamic" pertains to the religious beliefs, practices, and customs of the Muslim faith

that are observed during the festival. These include the recitation of sacred texts, the offering of

prayers, and the veneration of the Prophet Muhammad as the central figure of the celebration.

The Maulud festival is a crucial event for Muslim communities to gather and commemorate the

life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, and to contemplate on his significance as a

spiritual and cultural figure. Therefore, "Islamic" in this context encompasses the spiritual and

religious aspects of the Maulud celebration that are important to Badjao families in Karagasan.

Informant 1: For this Muslim, the most important factor of Mawlud celebration is the

remembrance of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This event serves as a reminder of his

teachings and the role model he provided for them to follow.

Informant 2: The recitation of Quranic verses and the recitation of salawat during Mawlud

celebration is a significant Islamic factor. These practices allow Muslims to connect with Allah

and deepen their understanding of the Prophet's message.

Informant 3: The Islamic factor of humility and servant leadership stands out the most for this

Muslim during Mawlud celebration. The Prophet's life and teachings are a reminder of the need

to serve others and to always remain humble in our actions and interactions.
Informant 4: The gathering of Muslim communities during Mawlud celebration is a key Islamic

factor that fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood. This event provides a powerful opportunity

to strengthen bonds with other Muslims and to support one another in their faith.

Informant 5: The Islamic factor of charity during Mawlud celebration is a reminder of the

importance of giving to those in need. This act of generosity is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition

and is a way to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet.

Informant 6: This Muslim appreciates how Mawlud celebration encourages reflection on the life

and legacy of the Prophet, as well as his companions and family members. This Islamic factor

allows for a deepening of understanding of the Islamic tradition and to honor those who have

contributed to its development.

Informant 7: The Islamic factor of fasting during Mawlud celebration is a way to purify souls

and deepen spirituality. This practice is a reminder of the importance of self-discipline and self-

control in their faith.

Informant 8: The emphasis on the role of prayer during Mawlud celebration is a key Islamic

factor. This event provides an opportunity to engage in collective prayer and to deepen the

connection with Allah.

Informant 9: The Islamic factor of seeking knowledge during Mawlud celebration is a reminder

of the importance of lifelong learning in their faith. This event provides a platform for

discussions and lectures that allow for a deepening of understanding of the Islamic tradition.
Informant 10: The Islamic factor of gratitude during Mawlud celebration is a reminder of the

blessings that Allah has bestowed upon Muslims. This event allows for reflection on many

blessings and to express gratitude for them.

Informant 11: Finally, the Islamic factor of forgiveness during Mawlud celebration is a powerful

reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah and from one another. This event

provides an opportunity to reconcile with others and to seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings.

The Activities of Mawlud Celebration

Pence

Pence is a traditional dance form that originated from the Middle East and has been

embraced by the Badjao community as a way to express their cultural heritage. The dance is

performed with intricate footwork and graceful movements, accompanied by the rhythmic

beating of drums and other instruments. It is a visual feast that showcases the community's

artistic flair and rich cultural history.

Informant 1: They find Pence to be a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the life and

teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the Mawlud celebration. As a

person who deeply values spiritual and cultural traditions, participating in Pence is a highlight of

their year.
Informant 2: The rhythmic and meditative movement of the Sama dance during Pence is a

powerful way to connect with their faith and community. They appreciate the way that Pence

brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in celebration and reflection.

Informant 3: They enjoy the sense of generosity and compassion that is fostered during Pence, as

people come together to share food and gifts with one another. They appreciate the way that

Pence encourages self-reflection and introspection, as they think deeply about their own spiritual

journey and how they can live in accordance with the Prophet's teachings.

Informant 4: They appreciate the way that Pence encourages community building and interfaith

dialogue. They see it as an important opportunity to share their faith and culture with others, and

to learn from theirs in return.

Informant 5: They are always inspired and moved by the recitations of poetry and religious texts

during Pence. They find the vibrant colors, costumes, and decorations used during Pence to

create a festive and joyful atmosphere that is hard to resist.

Informant 6: They appreciate the sense of renewal and upliftment that participating in Pence

brings. They always leave feeling more connected to their faith and community, and they are

grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a meaningful tradition.

Informant 7: They enjoy the festive atmosphere and the way that Pence brings people together in

celebration. They appreciate the way that it fosters generosity and compassion among the

community.
Informant 8: They see Pence as a powerful way to deepen their connection to their faith and

community. They appreciate the way that it encourages self-reflection and introspection, and

they always leave feeling renewed and uplifted.

Informant 9: They value interfaith dialogue and understanding, and they see Pence as an

important opportunity to learn from and connect with people of different faiths and cultures.

Informant 10: They find the energy and joy of Pence to be contagious, and they always leave

feeling inspired and uplifted. They appreciate the opportunity to connect with their faith and

community in such a meaningful way.

Storytelling

Storytelling is an integral part of the Badjao community's way of life. Through oral

tradition, they pass down their history, customs, and beliefs from one generation to the next.

During Pag-Maulud, elders gather to share their stories with the younger members of the

community, providing a window into the past and preserving their cultural legacy.

Informant 1: The informant is someone who loves the tradition of storytelling and sees it as a

beautiful way to share the teachings and wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

during the Mawlud celebration.

Informant 2: The second informant believes that hearing stories of the Prophet's life and

teachings during Mawlud is a powerful way to connect with their faith and learn from his

example.
Informant 3: According to the third informant, the use of storytelling during Mawlud is a great

way to convey complex ideas and messages in a way that is accessible and engaging for people

of all ages and backgrounds.

Informant 4: The fourth informant cherishes the cultural tradition of storytelling during Mawlud,

which has been passed down for generations. They feel honored to be a part of it.

Informant 5: For the fifth informant, the use of language, music, and gesture in storytelling

during Mawlud creates a rich and immersive experience that they find deeply moving.

Informant 6: The sixth informant enjoys the way that storytelling during Mawlud can spark

conversation and reflection among members of the community, as they share their own

interpretations and insights.

Informant 7: According to the seventh informant, the act of listening and engaging with

storytelling during Mawlud is a reminder of the importance of active listening and empathy in

our daily lives.

Informant 8: The eighth informant appreciates the way that storytelling during Mawlud can

inspire action and change, as people learn from the Prophet's teachings and strive to live in

accordance with them.

Informant 9: Participating in storytelling during Mawlud always leaves the ninth informant

feeling more connected to their faith and community. They are grateful for the opportunity to

learn and grow.

Informant 10: The tenth informant believes that the stories shared during Mawlud are a reminder

of the beauty and richness of Islamic culture and tradition, and they have the power to foster

greater understanding and respect across communities.

Informant 11: As someone who values the art of storytelling, the eleventh informant sees

Mawlud as an important opportunity to preserve and celebrate this tradition and to pass it on to

future generations.

Social Gathering

Social gathering is an essential component of the Pag-Maulud celebration. It brings

together people from different walks of life, strengthening social ties and fostering a sense of

community. People come together to share food, laughter, and camaraderie, creating a joyful

atmosphere that is infectious.

Informant 1: The first informant loves the tradition of storytelling during the Mawlud celebration

and sees it as a beautiful way to share the teachings and wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad

(peace be upon him).

Informant 2: The second informant believes that storytelling during Mawlud is a powerful way to

connect with their faith and learn from the Prophet's example.

Informant 3: According to the third informant, storytelling during Mawlud is a great way to

convey complex ideas and messages in an accessible and engaging way for people of all ages

and backgrounds.

Informant 4: The fourth informant cherishes the cultural tradition of storytelling during Mawlud,

which has been passed down for generations, and feels honored to be a part of it.
Informant 5: For the fifth informant, the use of language, music, and gesture in storytelling

during Mawlud creates a rich and immersive experience that they find deeply moving.

Informant 6: The sixth informant enjoys how storytelling during Mawlud can spark conversation

and reflection among members of the community, as they share their own interpretations and

insights.

Informant 7: The seventh informant sees listening and engaging with storytelling during Mawlud

as a reminder of the importance of active listening and empathy in our daily lives.

Informant 8: The eighth informant appreciates how storytelling during Mawlud can inspire

action and change, as people learn from the Prophet's teachings and strive to live in accordance

with them.

Informant 9: Participating in storytelling during Mawlud always leaves the ninth informant

feeling more connected to their faith and community, and they are grateful for the opportunity to

learn and grow.

Informant 10: The tenth informant believes that the stories shared during Mawlud are a reminder

of the beauty and richness of Islamic culture and tradition, and they have the power to foster

greater understanding and respect across communities.

Informant 11: As someone who values the art of storytelling, the eleventh informant sees

Mawlud as an important opportunity to preserve and celebrate this tradition and to pass it on to

future generations.
 The celebration of Maulud is an event of utmost importance to the Badjao families in

Karagasan, Zamboanga City, and Muslims worldwide. The celebration's significance and

essence can be better understood through the insights of various individuals who have

experienced it.

From a cultural standpoint, the Maulud celebration serves as a time for people to gather

and establish a sense of community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and

togetherness, where individuals from different walks of life converge to celebrate the birth of

Prophet Muhammad. The celebration encourages exploration and appreciation of diverse cultural

practices, customs, and traditions, promoting diversity and cultural exchange.

The artistic expressions of music and poetry play a pivotal role in the celebration of

Maulud. It helps connect people and celebrate the life of Prophet Muhammad. The festival

highlights the significance of compassion, generosity, and education across many cultures,

reminding individuals of these values.

Food is also a crucial aspect of the Maulud celebration, bringing people together and

serving as a delectable means of connecting with others and rejoicing in the festivities. The

sharing of stories about the Prophet and other cultural tales and traditions is also an excellent

means of building community and strengthening relationships.

From an Islamic standpoint, the Maulud celebration serves as a reminder of the life and

teachings of Prophet Muhammad, with several practices and customs observed during the

festival. Muslims recite verses from the Quran and offer prayers, allowing them to connect with

Allah and gain a deeper understanding of the Prophet's message. The act of giving and serving
others, along with the significance of humility and servant leadership, are also crucial Islamic

factors of the festival.

The Maulud celebration serves as a time for Muslim communities to gather and celebrate

the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, strengthening their spirituality and connection

with Allah. The celebration fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims,

strengthening bonds and supporting one another in their faith.

In conclusion, the Maulud celebration is an intricate and multifaceted event that

incorporates cultural and Islamic elements. Through the insights of various individuals, we can

better comprehend the significance and essence of the festival for Badjao families in Karagasan

and Muslims worldwide. The celebration serves as a reminder of crucial values and traditions,

fostering community, diversity, and spirituality.