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FORMOSA NEWS - Banyumas Raya - Tahlilan Functions as Community-Based Counseling for Elderly Muslim Men, Study Finds. A 2026 study published in the Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences reveals that tahlilan a common Islamic communal prayer tradition serves as an effective form of group counseling for elderly Muslim men. The research was conducted by Budiyono, Yuslam, and Masykuri from UIN Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto, scholars in guidance and counseling studies, and focuses on communities in Banyumas Raya, Central Java. Their findings highlight how a long-standing cultural and religious practice can provide meaningful psychological support, especially for older adults facing loneliness, grief, and existential concerns. The study is significant as Indonesia’s aging population continues to grow, while access to formal mental health services remains uneven, particularly in rural areas. By identifying the counseling value embedded in tahlilan, the research offers an alternative, culturally grounded approach to mental health care that is already widely accepted within local communities.
Cultural Tradition Meets Mental Health Needs
Tahlilan is widely practiced in Indonesian Muslim communities as a collective prayer for the deceased, typically held on specific days after a person’s death. However, Budiyono and his colleagues found that beyond its religious purpose, tahlilan also creates a structured social environment that mirrors modern group counseling sessions. Participants gather regularly, follow a sequence of activities, and engage in shared emotional experiences. This structured interaction fosters a sense of belonging and mutual understanding, particularly among elderly men who may otherwise experience social isolation. In Banyumas Raya, where the study was conducted, tahlilan gatherings are deeply embedded in daily social life. This makes them an accessible and sustainable platform for emotional support without the stigma often associated with formal psychological services.
Simple Method, Deep Insight
The researchers used a qualitative approach, combining direct observation with in-depth interviews of elderly participants involved in tahlilan groups. They analyzed the interactions using established group counseling theories, including therapeutic factors identified by psychologist Irvin Yalom and principles of logotherapy, which emphasize the search for meaning in life. By aligning real-life practices with theoretical frameworks, the study demonstrates that tahlilan naturally incorporates elements commonly found in professional counseling settings.
Key Findings: Natural Therapeutic Processes
The study identifies several therapeutic benefits that emerge during tahlilan sessions:
Cultural Tradition Meets Mental Health Needs
Tahlilan is widely practiced in Indonesian Muslim communities as a collective prayer for the deceased, typically held on specific days after a person’s death. However, Budiyono and his colleagues found that beyond its religious purpose, tahlilan also creates a structured social environment that mirrors modern group counseling sessions. Participants gather regularly, follow a sequence of activities, and engage in shared emotional experiences. This structured interaction fosters a sense of belonging and mutual understanding, particularly among elderly men who may otherwise experience social isolation. In Banyumas Raya, where the study was conducted, tahlilan gatherings are deeply embedded in daily social life. This makes them an accessible and sustainable platform for emotional support without the stigma often associated with formal psychological services.
Simple Method, Deep Insight
The researchers used a qualitative approach, combining direct observation with in-depth interviews of elderly participants involved in tahlilan groups. They analyzed the interactions using established group counseling theories, including therapeutic factors identified by psychologist Irvin Yalom and principles of logotherapy, which emphasize the search for meaning in life. By aligning real-life practices with theoretical frameworks, the study demonstrates that tahlilan naturally incorporates elements commonly found in professional counseling settings.
Key Findings: Natural Therapeutic Processes
The study identifies several therapeutic benefits that emerge during tahlilan sessions:
- Mutual emotional support: Participants actively listen to each other and provide encouragement.
- Shared life experiences: Elderly participants realize they are not alone in dealing with loss, aging, and personal struggles.
- Meaning-making: Religious recitations and discussions help individuals reinterpret life events and accept mortality.
- Emotional expression: The setting allows participants to express grief, longing, and personal reflections in a safe environment.
- Social bonding: Regular gatherings strengthen interpersonal relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
Real-World Implications for Mental Health Services
The findings suggest that tahlilan can be recognized as a viable model for community-based mental health support. Unlike formal therapy, which may be costly or inaccessible, tahlilan is:
The findings suggest that tahlilan can be recognized as a viable model for community-based mental health support. Unlike formal therapy, which may be costly or inaccessible, tahlilan is:
- Widely practiced and culturally accepted.
- Low-cost and sustainable.
- Easily integrated into daily community life.
- Aligned with religious and social values.
This model is particularly relevant for policymakers and mental health practitioners seeking scalable solutions for underserved populations. It also highlights the importance of leveraging local traditions in designing effective public health interventions. Beyond tahlilan, similar community gatherings such as religious study groups, neighborhood meetings, or social events may also serve as informal counseling spaces if properly understood and supported.
Author Profiles
Author Profiles
Budiyono, M.Pd. – from UIN Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto, Lecturer and researcher in Guidance and Counseling, specializing in culturally responsive counseling approaches.
Yuslam, M.Pd. – from UIN Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto, with a focus on social dynamics in learning and aging populations.
Masykuri, M.Pd. – from UIN Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto, with expertise in integrating local culture into counseling practices.
Source
Budiyono, Yuslam, Masykuri (2026), Tahlilan as an Indigenous Group Counseling Model for Elderly Muslim Men in Banyumas Raya. Formosa Journal of Applied Sciences (FJAS) 2026, Halaman. 1001–1018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i4.35
URL: https://journalfjas.my.id/index.php/fjas
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