The Law of Using Primbon in Seeking Clothing and Food: Cultural and Religious Perspectives

Primbon is a cultural heritage of ancestors that is still held by some communities in Indonesia, particularly in Java. Nevertheless, the use of primbon in seeking clothing and food remains a topic of debate from legal, cultural, and religious perspectives. This article will discuss in depth the law of using primbon in seeking clothing and food from various perspectives.

1. Understanding and History of Primbon

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Primbon is a book that contains predictions or calculations to determine auspicious days for carrying out activities. The word "primbon" comes from the Javanese language "pari-imbun" which means "collection". Primbon has been used since the era of ancient Javanese kingdoms as a guide in various aspects of life.

The history of primbon can be traced back to the 8th century AD, when Hindu-Buddhist culture flourished on the island of Java. Scholars in the ancient Javanese royal court formulated various astronomical and astrological calculations that were later compiled into primbon. Over time, primbon continued to evolve with the incorporation of Islamic elements and local beliefs.

Some types of primbon that are known include:

• Primbon Betaljemur Adammakna - contains predictions based on the date of birth
• Primbon Lukmanakim - contains traditional healing guidelines
• Primbon Yogabrata - a guide for daily life
• Primbon Atassadhur Adammakna - contains predictions of fate and fortune

Although primbon has existed for a long time, its use in seeking livelihood and sustenance remains controversial to this day. Some members of society still hold primbon firmly as a guide, while others consider it irrelevant to modern times.

2. The Use of Primbon in Seeking Livelihood

In the context of seeking livelihood, primbon is often used to determine the right time to start a venture or work. Some ways to use primbon for this purpose include:

1. Calculating weton (birth date) to determine suitable fields of business
2. Choosing an auspicious day to open a store or start a new business
3. Determining a favorable direction for trading
4. Forecasting financial fortune based on neptu (numerology value of the day)
5. Finding the right day to apply for a job or attend an interview

For example, someone born on a Monday Pahing may be considered suitable for entrepreneurship in the culinary field. Or a trader wanting to open a new store might choose a Thursday Legi, which is believed to bring good fortune in trade.

However, relying solely on primbon without accompanied real effort will certainly not yield results. Primbon should be viewed as a complementary guide, not the sole determinant of success in earning a living.

3. Legal View on the Use of Primbon

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From the perspective of positive law in Indonesia, there are no rules that explicitly prohibit the use of primbon in seeking sustenance. However, several aspects related to primbon may intersect with applicable laws:

• Fraud - If someone uses primbon to deceive or unlawfully gain advantage over others
• Spreading false information - If primbon predictions are disseminated as facts without scientific basis
• Copyright infringement - If primbon is reproduced or sold without the permission of the copyright holder
• Illegal medical practice - If medicinal primbon is used to treat diseases without a practice license

As long as the use of primbon is conducted privately and does not harm others, there are generally no legal issues. However, caution is needed if primbon is used in a business context or public services to avoid violating applicable regulations.

From the perspective of customary law, primbon is still recognized as part of local wisdom in several regions. For example, in Yogyakarta, the use of primbon is still permitted in royal customary ceremonies. However, its legal power is limited and not broadly binding.

4. Religious Views on the Use of Primbon

The use of primbon in seeking sustenance has diverse views from a religious perspective:

Islam

The majority of Islamic scholars view the use of primbon as a practice that is not recommended and may even lead to polytheism. Some arguments that are often used as a basis:

• Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad: "Whoever visits a fortune teller and believes what they say has indeed disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad."
• QS. Al-An'am verse 59: "And with Allah are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him..."

However, some scholars argue that the use of primbon is permissible as long as it does not associate partners with Allah and is only used as an effort. For example, choosing a good day to start a business, as long as it is accompanied by prayer and reliance on Allah.

Christianity

The Christian perspective generally rejects the use of primbon as it is considered contrary to biblical teachings. Some verses that are often referenced:

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12 prohibits the practice of divination, sorcery, and witchcraft
• Jeremiah 29:11 states that only God knows the plans for the future

Nevertheless, some Christian denominations have a more moderate view towards local traditions like primbon, as long as they do not replace faith in God.

Hinduism

Hinduism has a concept similar to primbon called Wariga. The use of calculations for auspicious days in seeking a livelihood is still commonly practiced by Hindus, especially in Bali. However, it is emphasized that the results of efforts depend on karma and the blessings of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

Buddhism

Buddhist teachings do not explicitly prohibit the use of primbon. However, it is emphasized that a person's fate is determined by karma, not by predictions. The use of primbon should not create attachment and suffering.

Regardless of differences in religious views, what is most important is to maintain a balance between spiritual beliefs and real efforts in seeking sustenance. Primbon should not be made the sole guideline, but rather a complement to hard work and prayer.

5. Benefits and Risks of Using Primbon

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The use of primbon in seeking livelihood has several potential benefits, but it also carries risks that need to be heeded:

Potential Benefits

• Provides confidence and optimism in starting a business
• Preserves local wisdom and cultural heritage
• Serves as a guide in managing time and priorities
• Increases awareness of potential risks
• Strengthens social bonds through communal rituals

Risks to Be Aware Of

• Excessive dependence on forecasts without real effort
• Potential conflicts with religious beliefs
• Irrational decision-making
• Fraud by individuals claiming to be primbon experts
• Hinders innovation and creativity in business

To minimize risks, the use of primbon should be done wisely and proportionally. Do not make primbon the sole reference, but rather a complement to rational analysis and business intuition.

6. Modern Alternatives to Primbon

As time progresses, various modern alternatives have emerged that can replace the function of primbon in seeking clothing and food:

1. Market analysis - Conducting in-depth research on trends and business opportunities
2. Financial planning - Preparing budgets and cash flow projections in a measurable way
3. Expert consultation - Consulting with experts in finance or business
4. Skills training - Taking courses or training to improve competencies
5. Networking - Building business networks to open new opportunities
6. Technology - Utilizing applications and software for business efficiency
7. Mindfulness - Training focus and self-awareness for better decision-making

These modern alternatives are generally more measurable and can be scientifically accountable. However, for some people, primbon still holds an irreplaceable cultural value.

7. Responding to the Use of Primbon Wisely

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Considering the various perspectives on the use of primbon in seeking livelihood, a wise and balanced attitude is necessary. Some actions that can be taken:

1. Respect the beliefs of others - Do not impose the use or rejection of primbon on others
2. Prioritize real efforts - Do not rely solely on primbon without hard work
3. Use as a complement - Make primbon one of the considerations, not the only reference
4. Study critically - Explore the origins and logic behind primbon calculations
5. Adjust to the context - Adapt the use of primbon to the needs of modern times
6. Maintain balance - Harmonize tradition, spirituality, and rationality
7. Evaluate the results - Reflect on whether the use of primbon brings real benefits

With a wise approach, the positive values of primbon can be preserved without neglecting the demands of modern times in seeking livelihood.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About the Use of Primbon

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the legality of using primbon in seeking sustenance:

1. Is using primbon haram?

There is no single consensus on this matter. Some scholars prohibit it as it is considered to lead to shirk. However, others allow it as long as it does not associate partners with God and is only used as an effort.

2. What if primbon contradicts religion?

In cases of contradiction, the majority of scholars advise prioritizing religious teachings over primbon.

3. Are there legal sanctions for using primbon?

Generally, there are no positive legal sanctions for personal use of primbon. However, it can be problematic if used to deceive or harm others.

4. Is it permissible to use primbon for business purposes?

The use of primbon for business should be done cautiously to avoid violating applicable regulations, especially when it concerns public services.

5. Is there scientific evidence of the accuracy of primbon?

So far, there has been no scientific research that consistently proves the accuracy of primbon. The success of using primbon is more anecdotal.

9. Conclusion

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The law regarding the use of primbon in seeking sustenance remains a debate from cultural, religious, and positive legal perspectives. There is no explicit prohibition, but there is also no official support from the authorities. The use of primbon should be done wisely as a complement, not a substitute for real effort and adherence to religious teachings. The most important thing is to maintain a balance between respecting cultural heritage and adapting to the demands of modern times in earning a living. Ultimately, success in seeking sustenance is determined more by hard work, skills, and God's blessings, rather than solely by primbon predictions.

(kpl/dhm)