Eid al-Fitr Sermon: ICMI Chairman Calls on Muslims to Build an Advanced Civilisation
BOGOR - The General Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI), Arif Satria, emphasised that the purity of the soul after Ramadan must be directed towards confronting various global challenges. He conveyed this during his Eid al-Fitr 1447 H sermon at the Bogor Botanical Gardens on Saturday (21/3/2026), titled ‘Eid al-Fitr and the Contextualisation of Islamic Values in the Reconstruction of a New Civilisation’.
This BRIN Chairman reminded that humanity currently faces major disruptions, including geopolitical conflicts that could trigger energy crises, environmental crises due to deforestation and land degradation, rising numbers of refugees, extreme poverty, and world hunger.
As Muslims, there is a moral responsibility to respond to these conditions with proactive and solution-oriented steps. Islam is understood as a civilisational religion that is holistic, encompassing values of tawhid, humanity, education, social justice, tolerance, and environmental care. These values serve as the foundation for building an advanced, just, and sustainable society.
Arif stressed the importance of the concept of Wasatiyyat Islam (moderation in Islam), which is a balanced and fair attitude in various aspects of life. Muslims are invited to become a moderate ummah, not excessive, and able to maintain balance in worship, behaviour, and social life, as exemplified from the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW to the present.
Arif presented Wasatiyyat Islam as a moderate and balanced Islamic teaching, manifested in seven main values:
- Tawazun (Balance)
Balance in modern life encompasses various aspects. In the environment, tawazun means balancing economic development with natural preservation through environmentally friendly practices such as renewable energy, waste management, and conservation. In business, tawazun encourages sustainable models that not only pursue profit but also consider social and environmental impacts.
In the digital era, tawazun means using technology wisely while maintaining social interactions and mental health, avoiding negative impacts like fatigue from excessive AI use. In education, tawazun is embodied through a balanced curriculum that combines academic knowledge with life skills, social, and moral values to form a well-rounded character.
- I’tidal (Justice and Proportionality)
Emphasising a fair attitude in three aspects: inter-human relations, economic distribution, and law enforcement. Islam promotes social justice through zakat and prohibits discrimination, thereby creating prosperity and social harmony.
“At least there are three main principles of justice: justice in inter-human relations, economic justice and wealth distribution, and justice in the legal system. Implementing these three principles will not only create a just society but also produce social harmony, reduce conflict, and encourage collective prosperity,” said Arif.
- Tasamuh (Tolerance)
Teaching an attitude of respecting differences in religion, culture, and background. Muslims are encouraged to live in harmony, get to know one another, and seek common ground to achieve peace.
- Syura (Consultation)
Problem-solving through dialogue and mutual agreement. Consultation strengthens participation, enriches perspectives, and produces fair and stable decisions, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad SAW.
- Islah (Reform)
Efforts to improve societal conditions through positive change. An optimistic mindset, mastery of knowledge and innovation, and high integrity are needed to combat injustice, corruption, and backwardness.
- Qudwah (Exemplary Conduct)
Al-qudwah (exemplary conduct) is an important concept in Islam referring to figures or behaviours worthy of emulation in life. In the modern era, this value is increasingly relevant amid social changes, technological developments, and various social and environmental issues, making exemplary conduct key to driving positive change.
Al-qudwah is reflected in the exemplary conduct of Prophet Muhammad SAW as the primary example in all aspects of life, with values of honesty, justice, and integrity. In the modern context, al-qudwah also means inspirational leadership that can bring change and a better future. In the digital era, exemplary conduct is manifested through positive influence, such as spreading accurate information, respecting others, and being an inspiration amid the proliferation of negative content.
- Muwatanah (Patriotism)
Muwatanah is an attitude of love for the homeland that includes a sense of belonging, responsibility, and participation in national life. Amid diversity like in Indonesia, this value is important to unite differences in the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. In addition to strengthening national unity, muwatanah also serves as a bridge to universal humanistic values, encouraging mutual respect among nations for global peace.
Arif invited the seven values of Wasatiyyat Islam—tawazun, i’tidal, tasamuh, syura, islah, qudwah, and muwatanah—to become a way of life, both individually and collectively in the modern era.