Muhammadiyah intensifies 'Cultural Propagation'<\/p>\n
Rita A. Widiadana
\nThe Jakarta Post
\nDenpasar<\/p>\n
Building a consensus based on its 90 years in existence,
\nMuhammadiyah, one of the most influential Muslim organizations in
\nIndonesia, is now trying to intensify its \"Cultural Propagation\"
\nto reach out all people in the multi-ethnic layers of Indonesian
\nsociety.<\/p>\n
This was one of several important results to come from the
\norganization's four-day annual meeting which ended on Sunday in
\nDenpasar, Bali.<\/p>\n
Muhammadiyah Chairman Ahmad Syafii Maarif tried to define the
\nterm \"cultural propagation\" as the dissemination of Islamic
\nteachings in a sophisticated, nuanced form -- wisely and modestly
\n-- which in the Arabic language means Al Hikmah.<\/p>\n
Syafii quoted one of Koranic verses, An Nahl 125, which said
\nthat Muslim people were required to strive to build relationships
\nwith others of different cultural and religious backgrounds in
\nbetter ways.<\/p>\n
\"This could literally means in everything we do, including
\nspreading Islamic teachings -- we must do it politely, yet
\nreasonably,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), another prominent Muslim organization,
\nis known to be more tolerant, and often adopts various pre-
\nIslamic traditions when spreading the religion, mostly in Java.<\/p>\n
By contrast, Muhammadiyah has so far been recognized as a
\n\"puritanical\" movement that seeks to separate Islam from other
\nelements that are against the Koran and Sunnah -- Prophet
\nMuhammad's sayings and deeds outside the Koran.<\/p>\n
\"Pure\" Islam and reasons (al-aql in Arabic) have come to be
\nMuhammadiyah's two most important policies.<\/p>\n
But Syafii said that Muhammadiyah should reconsider and
\nredefine its policies to be more flexible in accommodating local
\ncultures.<\/p>\n
\"Times have changed, and we realize that Indonesia is a multi-
\ncultural nation. We must learn to adjust,\" Syafii said.<\/p>\n
He added, however, that not everything could be changed
\nimmediately. \"If we want to disseminate Islamic teachings in one
\nethnic community, we must understand that we cannot change the
\npeople's minds instantly.<\/p>\n
\"Muhammadiyah wants to view itself as an open-minded, tolerant
\nreligious, social and cultural organization which is able to meet
\nthe demands of our contemporary, multi-cultural society,\" Syafii
\nstressed.<\/p>\n
Other significant results of this year's meeting were
\nMuhammadiyah pledges to act as a mediator, and forceful moral
\npower in both domestic and international forums.<\/p>\n
Syafii said that to bring the results of the meeting to
\nfruition, Muhammadiyah must soon initiate a series of meetings
\nwith other major Muslim organizations, including NU.<\/p>\n
\"We have forgotten this -- Muhammadiyah and NU must focus more
\non our unfinished work,\" Syafii noted.<\/p>\n
\"We should not get trapped in the interests of any political
\nparties or individuals. Muhammadiyah and NU must work hand-in
\n-hand to become Muslim organizations that can always stand as
\nforerunners to build a modern, peaceful and prosperous civil
\nsociety,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Both Muhammadiyah and NU, which claim memberships of 30
\nmillion and 40 million respectively, will meet, together or
\nseparately, with influential community and religious leaders to
\nmap out a vision for the future.<\/p>\n
The second step will be to open a trusting communication with
\nalleged extremist groups in Indonesia, which are considered to
\nhave shown the \"brutal and heartless,\" faces of Islam to the
\nworld at large.<\/p>\n
Syafii, however, also warned the Western world to increase its
\nunderstanding of Islam. He urged that Western governments should
\nbuild constructive dialogues with religious and prominent leaders
\nof the Muslim world.<\/p>\n
\"Muhammadiyah and NU are more than ready to share and open
\ndialogue with any interested Western countries,\" stressed Syafii.<\/p>\n
Syafii said he has also been invited by two American Senators,
\nJohn Edwards and John Kyl, to attend the 50th National Prayer
\nBreakfast in Washington D.C. on Feb. 7.<\/p>\n
The meeting, with U.S. President Bush in attendance, will also
\ninclude representatives from 160 countries.<\/p>\n
\"It is a pity that I cannot come to the meeting, as I will
\nperform Haj pilgrimage to Mecca,\" Syafii said, adding that he
\nwould like to share his knowledge and experiences with people
\nthere.<\/p>\n
\"It will also be the best forum to show the world the real
\nface of Islam in Indonesia,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Syafii, however, insisted that Muhammadiyah should initially
\nconcentrate on seeking precise solutions to current national
\nproblems. \"We must tidy up our own house before we can ask others
\nto clean up,\" Syafii said.<\/p>",
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