RRI.CO.ID, Kota Jambi - In Jambi Seberang, Eid al-Fitr is not only marked by prayers and festive gatherings; it is also a time to honor a deeply rooted cultural ritual known as “Injak Bumi.”

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Masjid Jami Ba’alawi in Arab Melayu Village, families brought their infants to religious leaders for blessings in a ceremony symbolizing a child’s first steps on earth.

After the Eid prayers, parents handed their babies to clerics who recited prayers, gently touched the children, and lowered them to the ground before returning them to their families.

The ritual concluded with parents scattering flowers and coins, sparking joyful excitement among waiting children.

Community members describe Injak Bumi as a tradition passed down for generations, predating Indonesia’s independence. For many, it represents both spiritual protection and cultural continuity.

“Since my ancestors lived here, this tradition has existed. I went through it myself, and now it’s my child’s turn,” said Abu Umar, a local resident.

Mothers like Megawati echoed similar hopes, wishing their children health and piety through the blessings offered.

Religious leaders emphasized that the ritual blends Islamic teachings with local heritage, serving as a way to honor the earth and seek divine protection from unseen disturbances.

Beyond the ritual, clerics reminded worshippers of the importance of adab -- courtesy and respect -- in daily life. They urged families to uphold values of forgiveness, humility, and strong faith as the foundation of community resilience.

“Teach manners before knowledge, instill humility before pride,” one cleric advised, underscoring that the strength of the Malay Jambi family lies in the harmony of religion, tradition, love, and shared responsibility. ***