Boosting moderate Islam

Boosting moderate Islam

Abdul Mu'ti, Chairman, National Board Muhammadiyah Youth,
Jakarta

In the last decade or so, Islam in Indonesia has shown
contrasts in its development. On the one hand its tolerant and
peaceful face has moved toward a more radical image in the light
of the bombings linked to radical groups here.

On the other hand, there has been a process of transformation
or convergence between the "modernist" (Muhammadiyah) and the
"traditionalist" (Nahdhatul Ulama). As noted by scholar Fazlur
Rahman, in the early 1980s the "gap between the traditionalist
and the modernist has almost closed".

Rahman sees this notion as a promise of the development of
indigenous Islam in Indonesia. Like Rahman, another scholar,
Kuntowijoyo argues that since the early 1990s there has been a
social and cultural convergence of Islam in Indonesia.

This convergence is indicated by the end of the perceived
dichotomy between the abangan and the santri (generally referring
respectively to Muslims who are considered more relaxed about
religion or who adopt more from other beliefs such as kejawen;
and those with a background of education at the pesantren or
Islamic boarding schools).

Such scholars also see less of a dichotomy between
"traditionalists" and "modernists"; the intellectuals and the
ulema; secularists and those who are religious; and Islamic and
non-Islamic political parties.

Among factors which have contributed to this convergence is
the country's uniform curricula which has led to similar
instruction in Islam. The establishment of Muhammadiyah schools
in many regions is another factor.

A large proportion of Muhammadiyah students -- especially in
universities -- now come from an NU background. Understanding is
very likely to happen among the young generation of Muhammadiyah
and NU which has resulted in plurality of both Muhammadiyah and
NU members.

Researcher Abdul Munir Mulkhan describes clearly the plurality
within Muhammadiyah. He wrote in 2000 that there are four
"groups" among Muhammadiyah members -- the puritan, the moderate,
the democrats and the "MUNU" (Muhammadiyah-NU). The puritans,
also called the "Muhammadiyah Ikhlash" are Muhammadiyah members
whose commitment to the purity of Islam and strict reference to
the Koran and the Sunnah remains very strong and rigid.

The second group, the "Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan" consists of
members whose religious understanding is perceived to be similar
to the founder of the organization, Ahmad Dahlan: one
characterized by open-mindedness moderation, tolerance and a
critical mind.

The third group consists of members whose political
affiliation is strongly nationalist. The last group refers to
members of Muhammadiyah whose religious practices are strongly
influenced by those of Nahdhatul Ulama, known as "Marhaenis
Muhammadiyah". They used to be NU members but for various reasons
became members of Muhammadiyah.

Despite their differences, more cooperation between the two
largest moderate groups of Islam in Indonesia is very likely to
happen.

In many cases Muhammadiyah and NU share similar views. Both
their leaders, A. Syafii Maarif of Muhammadiyah and Hasyim Muzadi
of NU have rejected the implementation of sharia in the public
sphere. The two leaders have also been involved in a "moral
movement" campaigning to strengthen morality within public life
especially in government offices.

Later in October NU and Muhammadiyah began a joint struggle
against corruption.

Cooperation might also occur among the youth. Four youth
organizations associated with Muhammadiyah and Nahdhatul Ulama
have set up a joint program namely Proklamaktour. Here the
Muhammadiyah Youth and NU youth organization, Ansor, organized a
joint umrah (minor pilgrimage) to Mecca, praying for the
sovereignty of Indonesia.

Although concrete cooperation in social endeavors has not yet
developed, frequent communication and agreement among the two
moderate Muslim groups are a sign of hope for a better Islam in
Indonesia. The two were involved in serious tension following the
ousting of Abdurrahman Wahid from the presidency by the People's
Consultative Assembly led by Amien Rais. Abdurrahman was the
former chairman of NU, while Amien led Muhammadiyah.

Conflicts between the two large organizations, to some degree,
are among the causes of the development of more "radical"
elements among Muslims. It is important, therefore, to facilitate
cooperation among such groups.