Mainstream Islam 'promotes pluralism'

Mainstream Islam 'promotes pluralism'

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Despite rising challenges, Islam in Indonesia has significantly
contributed to the development of pluralism in the country, says
noted philosopher Franz Magnis-Suseno.

"At a time where the government sometimes seems at a loss how
to tackle the country's problems, Islamic intellectuals,
spiritual and political leaders take a national non-sectarian
point of view; as if, as the majority, they feel responsible that
the country stays together peacefully and that the smaller groups
can feel safe and free," he told an international seminar on
Thursday.

He cited the role of the two largest Muslim organizations, the
Muhammadiyah and the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in their taking a
public position to pacify the country at crucial moments. He also
cited the cooperation among religions, notably between mainstream
Muslims and Christians since the late 1990s.

The lecturer of the Driyarkara School of Philosophy was among
the speakers of "Islam's Contribution to the Construction of a
Pluralistic World" here, which included renowned Muslim figures
and scholars.

The seminar, which featured Noble laureate Shirin Ebadi as its
keynote speaker, was held on the occasion of the International
Day of French-Speaking Countries.

Magnis-Suseno pointed out developments in current events such
as riots, introduction of sharia in a number of regions and
instigating hate toward other religions.

"Small children may be taught ... not to have contact with
'heathens' or Chinese," he said. "There are regions where it is
virtually impossible to build a church," he said

Other factors should not be taken for granted, he said,
keeping in mind hypothetical scenarios, for example, what might
ensue if corruption corroded any economic benefits or if
democracy failed.

As Islam here is "a huge melting pot of different currents and
dynamics," he said, even NU and Muhammadiyah "could be left
behind by Islamic youth if they lose touch with them".

Meanwhile, NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi said people should take
values presented in Islam as elements to create peace. The
balance between theology and ritual dimensions in Islam must be
maintained to prevent conflicts, he added.

"Clashes of religions are mostly (caused) because of the
absence of such synergy," he said.

Muhammadiyah chairman Ahmad Syafii Maarif said that, as the
last monotheistic religion after Judaism and Christianity, Islam
should learn more from the historical experiences of its
predecessors.

"The lessons derived from their successes and failures to cope
with contemporary challenges are absolutely crucial for today's
Islam to determine its own global position to save the future of
humanity ... to participate in building a just and peaceful
world."

Further, Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid said the core
identity of Islam was its followers' surrendering to Allah. He
said all religions came from the same source, God.

Hayam Aboul Hussein, a professor at the Faculty of Literature
at Egypt's Ain Shams University, concurred with Nurcholish and
said Muslims could be identified by their faith in God.

"Brotherhood and equality are all adopted in Islam," she
added.