Interpreting Bugis-Makassar Social Ethics through the Prophetic Hadith: The relevance of Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, Sipakainge, Lempu’, and Getteng

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the social ethical values of the Bugis-Makassar people and the moral teachings found in the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad. The study is motivated by the younger generation's diminishing attention toward moral messages inherited through Bugis-Makassar local wisdom, alongside a growing tendency to view religious texts as the sole source of moral values. In reality, various Bugis-Makassar cultural values, such as; sipakatau (treating others with humanity), sipakalebbi (mutual respect), sipakainge (mutual reminding), lempu' (honesty), and getteng (steadfastness of principle), possess substance that aligns with Islamic moral teachings. This research employs a qualitative method, specifically library research. Data were gathered from literature on Bugis-Makassar culture and pappaseng (traditional advice), as well as hadith compilations and relevant prior studies. Data analysis was conducted using comparative and thematic approaches to identify points of convergence between Bugis-Makassar social ethical values and the Prophet's hadiths. The results indicate that sipakatau correlates with teachings on brotherhood and respect for human dignity; sipakalebbi with respect and honoring others; sipakainge with the principle of mutual counsel in goodness; lempu' with the values of honesty and trustworthiness; and getteng with the Islamic concept of steadfastness. These findings demonstrate that Bugis-Makassar local wisdom and the Prophet's hadiths share a substantial alignment in shaping individual character and a civilized social order. The study affirms that local culture does not conflict with Islamic teachings; rather, it can serve as a medium for internalizing and actualizing Islamic moral values within the life of the community.