Conservation and Development of Gorontalo Local Culture: Case Study of Wedding Ceremony

Abstract

This study aims (1) to substantially analyze the tradition of giving sadaqah at Gorontalo    traditional marriage ceremony, and (2) to create a new concept for uniformity in giving sadaqah to avoid social inequality. For this purpose, a legislation and historical approach were carried out. In addition, descriptive approach was also used where the primary and secondary data were collected through interviews and literature studies. The result of the research shows that giving sadaqah has always been inseparable from the hereditary culture of Gorontalo which has been done until now. Furthermore, this study indicates that this tradition is also inseparable from the rules of Islamic teaching. This research is limited to Gorontalo people who are Muslim and traditionally lives in Gorontalo peninsula located in the northern part of Celebes. In this regard, the sampling area covers 3 out of 6 districts. This paper shows that being a philanthropy is in accordance with Islamic teaching, tradition and culture of Gorontalo people. However, its practicality does not represent the economic strata of the community.