Tombo Ati is a traditional Javanese song composed by Sunan Bonang,[1] one of Wali Sanga, from Tuban, East Java. The song is about a Muslim's ways of gaining spiritual peace and tranquility, through tahajjud, reciting the Qur'an, fasting, gathering with pious people, and in constant remembrance of god, all of which are considered to be "Remedies for the Heart".

This song is still being taught at pesantrens, and has been sung, recorded and released by several Indonesian singers.

Lyric

The lyric of this song was written in vernacular Javanese languages. There are several modern adaptations, but a common version is:

The key message of this song is that in order to gain spiritual peace, someone must follow the guidance of God.

Popularity

Opick's album 'Istighfar', which contains an adaptation of Tombo Ati, sold at least 180,000 copies.

Five centuries after its composition, this song is still one of the most popular traditional Javanese songs. Its popularity also spread to mostly Muslim Indonesian region such as Sumatra.[2] Islamic song contests in Indonesia often use it as mandatory song.[3] Due to its spiritual contents, pesantrens often teach it, particularly in traditional inland parts of Java.[4]

Indonesian singers have re-released it as modern religious song, often accompanied with Indonesian translation. One of the latest adaptations, on the album 'Istighfar' by Opick, has sold at least 180,000 copies.[5] Another adaptation, by Emha Ainun Nadjib, is also famous. This song is especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan.[6]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Berdakwah dengan Tembang 'Tombo Ati'". Republika. Archived from the original on May 7, 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-10.
  2. ^ "130 Ribu Siswa Ikut Pesantren Ramadhan". Cahaya Ramadhan. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-01-10.
  3. ^ "Alunan Nada Islami". Pikiran Rakyat. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-10.
  4. ^ "Kiyai, Anekdot, Sastra dan Puisi". Republika. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-01-10.
  5. ^ ""Tombo Ati" Meledak". Suara Merdeka. 2005-09-27. Archived from the original on 2006-11-18. Retrieved 2007-01-10.
  6. ^ "Dari Musik Rock ke Tombo Ati". Republika. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-01-10.
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