Pulut Kuning as Qur'anic Reception in the Khataman Tradition of Padang Mahondang

Abstract

The tradition of Qur’anic khataman in Muslim communities represents not only a practice of completing Qur’anic recitation but also a cultural expression through which religious values are interpreted, maintained, and transmitted. In the perspective of the Living Qur’an, the presence of the Qur’an in society can be observed through various forms of reception, including rituals, social practices, and material expressions. This study aims to analyze the tradition of yellow glutinous rice (pulut kuning) as a form of material reception of the Qur’an within the khataman tradition at Tahfidz Syahbaina House, Padang Mahondang.This research employs a qualitative approach using the Living Qur’an perspective combined with a religious materiality approach. Data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving nine informants selected through purposive sampling, including tahfidz caregivers, teachers, students, parents, religious leaders, cultural figures, and community members. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis involving transcription, coding, categorization, interpretation, and theoretical analysis.The findings reveal that pulut kuning functions not merely as a ceremonial food but as a material medium that represents respect for the Qur’an, strengthens the memory of Qur’anic memorization, and transmits religious values within the community. The texture, color, and arrangement of material elements construct symbolic meanings related to perseverance, blessing, purity, and collective responsibility in preserving Qur’anic knowledge. This study introduces the concept of material-mnemonic reception to explain how cultural objects participate in maintaining Qur’anic memory and sustaining religious values through everyday social practices. The research contributes to the expansion of Living Qur’an studies by demonstrating the role of food and material culture as important dimensions of Qur’anic reception.