Tombo Ati

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Tombo Ati is a traditional Javanese song composed by Sunan Bonang[1], one of Wali Sanga . This song is based one of famous hadith of prophet Muhammad[citation needed]. The song is about a Muslim's ways of gaining spiritual peace and tranquility, through tahajjud, reciting the Qu'ran, fasting, gathering with pious people, and in constant remembrance of Allah Most High, 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.

Contents

[edit] Lyric

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

Javanese text

Tombo Ati iku limo perkorone
Kaping pisan moco Kuran lan maknane
Kaping pindo sholat wengi lakonono
Kaping telu wong kang soleh kumpulono
Kaping papat kudu weteng ingkang luwe
Kaping limo dzikir wengi ingkang suwe
Salah sawijine sopo iso ngelakoni
Mugi-mugi Gusti Allah nyembadani

English Translation

Remedies of heart, there are five of it
the First, read Quran and understand its meaning
the Second, prayer at night, do it
the Third, make your companion a pious person
the Fourth, keep your stomach hungry (i.e fasting regularly)
the Fifth, remember your Lord at night constantly
One of it, anyone who can do it
may Allah almighty fulfill his wish

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

[edit] Popularity

Opick's album 'Istighfar', which contains an adaptation of Tombo Ati, sold at least 180,000 copies.
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 singer has many times re-released it as modern religious song, often accomopanied 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]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Berdakwah dengan Tembang 'Tombo Ati'. Republika. Retrieved on 2007-01-10.
  2. ^ 130 Ribu Siswa Ikut Pesantren Ramadhan. Cahaya Ramadhan. Retrieved on 2007-01-10.
  3. ^ Alunan Nada Islami. Pikiran Rakyat. Retrieved on 2007-01-10.
  4. ^ Kiyai, Anekdot, Sastra dan Puisi. Republika. Retrieved on 2007-01-10.
  5. ^ "Tombo Ati" Meledak. Suara merdeka. Retrieved on 2007-01-10.
  6. ^ Dari Musik Rock ke Tombo Ati. Republika. Retrieved on 2007-01-10.

[edit] See also