Tombo Ati is a traditional Javanese song composed by Sunan Bonang, one of Wali Sanga, that's why tombo ati is a traditional song from Tuban, East Java . This song is based one of famous hadith of prophet Muhammad. The song is about a Muslim's ways of gaining spiritual peace and tranquility, through tahajjud, reciting the Qur'an, fasting, gathering with pious people, and in constant remembrance of Allah Most High, all of which are considered to be "Remedies for the Heart".
Contents
This song is still being taught at pesantrens, and has been sung, recorded and released by several Indonesian singers.
Lyric
The lyric of this song was written in vernacular Javanese languages. There are several modern adaptations, but a common version is:
The key message of this song is that in order to gain spiritual peace, someone must follow the guidance of God.
Popularity
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 . Islamic song contests, in Indonesia often use it as mandatory song. Due to its spiritual contents, pesantrens often teach it, particularly in traditional inland parts of Java.
Indonesian singer has many times re-released it as modern religious song, often accompanied with Indonesian translation. One of the latest adaptations, on the album 'Istighfar' by Opick, has sold at least 180,000 copies. Another adaptation, by Emha Ainun Nadjib, is also famous. This song is especially popular during the holy month of Ramadan.