Gorontalo - To celebrate the Isra Miraj of the Prophet Muhammad SAW which falls on the 27th of Rajab annually, Gorontalo citizens have a tradition of chanting Meeraji. The Meeraji manuscript tells the story of the Isra Miraj journey of the Prophet Muhammad SAW in Gorontalo language written in the pegon letters.

The Meeraji Book was compiled by Sheikh Ali bin Abubakar Al Hasani, known as Bapu Ju Panggola, around 200 or 300 years ago.

In general, Meeraji chanters read scripts that do not yet have standards and most of the scripts are still photocopies. Even, the old Meeraji book contains several words, sentences and meanings that need to be refined.

So, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo (UNG) formed a team to re-refine the Meeraji manuscript consisting of a team of manuscript collectors, pegon letters experts, translators and editors and final reviewers to re-refine the Meeraji Book of Tales of the Prophet Muhammad SAW which was published by UNG.

UNG Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Eduart Wolok, ST., MT. uttered that the process of refining the book took around two years. Starting from the unification of the Meeraji script from various traditional areas of Gorontalo to organizing a focus group discussion which was attended by several chanters as representatives of traditional areas in the Regency and City of Gorontalo. Retyping, editing, translating and reviewing to printing were done afterwards.

"Refining Meeraji is not to replace the old version with a new one, but it is hoped to bring out all the elements contained in the Meeraji book in each traditional region so that it is unified. Also, the new version includes an Indonesian translation and Latin writing," said the Rector.

The Rector emphasized that such of these efforts reflected UNG’s wish to help ensure the future of traditions in Gorontalo so that they continue to have full support in ensuring their existence.

“We express our infinite gratitude to Ir. Al-Habib Muhammad Effendi Al-Eydrus, SH., MM. who spent more than seven days with the editorial team to advise and critically study the book for the sake of refinement," said the Rector.

The Rector also expressed his highest thanks to the editorial team consisting of Funco Tanipu, Al Azhar Egypt alumnus Mansur Martam, IAIN Sultan Amai Lecturer Abdurrahman, who is also an Al Azhar Egypt alumnus, UNG Lecturer Abdul Wahab Thomas, and IAIN Sultan Amai lecturer Kiky Rifky Sofyanto Hanapi.

"We also express our sincere thanks to the chanters who were involved from the start, including Usman Piola, Rionaldi Do'e, Pespianto Bobihu, Irfan A. Pako, and Ridwan Kadir Kono," he said.