GORONTALO WOMEN’S BE’ATI (BAI’AT): The Perspective of History, Culture and Islamic Law

This paper discusses the tradition of Bai’at (be'ati) or initiation for a teenage girl after arrival first menstruation in traditional culture Gorontalo. Through field studies by interviews, observation and study documents, this research shows that procession ritual ceremony (mome'ati) is conducted six stages, including: molungudu (sauna bath with herbs), momonto (putting red mark on forehead), momuhuto (bathing mopohuta'a to pingge (stepping plate), mome'ati (initiation ritual) mohatamu (completing recitation Qur’an). The be'ati rituals are loaded moral values as living guidance girl. In perspective Islamic law philosophy, aligned principle benefit they emphasize physical health personal hygiene. fiqh category, both included discourse thahârah (cleanliness). Meanwhile, identity Muslim personality attitude being careful treading life. Both category morality, since messages. Whereas, emphasizes practice pillars Faith, Islam, obedience parents. As mohatamu, it love Holy Qur'an. All stages show acculturation Islam local Even, implementation teachings through customs ('urf).