Jakarta \u2014 Jusuf Kalla, chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council\n(DMI), has stated that mosques must function not only as places of\nworship but also as centres of Islamic civilisation.<\/p>\n
In a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, Kalla noted that\nIndonesia is home to the world\u2019s largest number of Muslims and mosques,\nwith an estimated 800,000 mosques spread throughout the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cMosques are, of course, first and foremost places of worship. We\nperform the five daily prayers, Tarawih prayers, and various other acts\nof worship. However, the function of a mosque extends beyond this \u2014 it\nis also a place of unity for the Muslim community,\u201d said Kalla.<\/p>\n
Speaking during a Tarawih sermon at the Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque on\nMonday 9 March, Kalla highlighted the unique characteristic of mosques\nin bringing together Muslims from diverse organisational backgrounds and\nregions without division.<\/p>\n
Beyond their role as places of worship and unity, Kalla argued that\nmosques must serve as centres for building civilisation. He explained\nthat civilisation derives from the concept of \u201cadab\u201d, which reflects\ngood conduct, knowledge, and faith.<\/p>\n
\u201cCivilisation is born from faith, knowledge, and good behaviour.\nTherefore, mosques must encourage the community to pursue education,\ndevelop their capabilities, and build character,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also emphasised the importance of improving the economic capacity\nof the Muslim community. According to Kalla, Islam teaches believers to\nwork hard and strive, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad, who spent\na long period as a merchant before being appointed as a messenger.<\/p>\n
Kalla further stressed that contemporary global progress is\nsignificantly influenced by knowledge and technology. For this reason,\nMuslims must strengthen their mastery of science in order not to fall\nbehind.<\/p>\n
He expressed hope that mosques could become places that encourage the\ncommunity to unite, pursue knowledge, strengthen morality, and improve\nsocietal welfare.<\/p>\n
\u201cMosques must inspire congregants towards progress, unity, knowledge,\nhard work, and good character. In this way, mosques will truly become\ncentres of civilisation for the Muslim community,\u201d said DMI Chairman\nJusuf Kalla.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jusuf-kalla-mosques-must-become-centres-of-civilisation-and-community-progress-1773108730", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }