Hoyak Tabuik: Shiah Ritual Celebration During the Dutch Colonial Period in Padang

Abstract

Hoyak Tabuik is a Shia ritual tradition that was once brought by Indian Tamils to the West Coast of Sumatra and lasted for three centuries. The massive celebration, which falls on Muharram 10th, was attended by thousands of spectators, mostly Sunnis. This paper is prepared based on the historical method–heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Tabuik began to be preached massively at the end of the 19th century. The Syattariyah enlivened the Shia ritual during the Dutch Colonial period. Then, in the 20th century, Muhammadiyah and a small number of Naqsyabandiyah and PERTI adherents were also witnessed. The 9th and 10th of Muharram are the culmination of the implementation of Shia rituals – as an illustration of the Padang Karbala event by carrying a 7-meter-high monument, with replicas of Husein and Kasim's fingers, fine silk cloth, various decorations, colourful paper, and buraq. The big Tabuik, simultaneously pitted, drowned in Muaro Padang Beach and fought over by the audience in the afternoon. According to newspaper records during the Dutch colonial era, many in the audience were picked on, injured, and even eaten by sharks.