Islam fundamentalism

Islam fundamentalism

Former minister of religious affairs Munawir Sjadzali said
recently that Moslems in Southeast Asia do not support Islam
fundamentalism.

Moslems in Indonesia and Malaysia, in particular, he said,
are satisfied with their social and political standing since they
are the predominant decision makers in their respective
countries.

We take Munawir's statement to be a declaration that Islam is
different to radicalism. His observation that Moslems have almost
never aired complaints in a serious manner is a reflection that
Islam is not radical. In other words radicalism is not bred by
religion. It arises only when a group of people -- not
necessarily Moslems -- feel that they are being pushed against
the wall or are being denied justice.

This tolerant view on religion will help us see that the
revival of Islam is not threatening. From Indonesia's experience
we see that this phenomenon is nothing more than a struggle for
survival by a group of people in the mounting global competition
in science and technology.

Hence, a repressive approach toward Moslems as applied ten
years ago is no longer relevant. The availability of official
communication channels has proven that Indonesian Moslems are not
easily provoked.

-- Republika, Jakarta