Muzani Discusses Islamic Tolerance During Meeting with Grand Mufti of Uzbekistan

MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani discussed the values of Islamic tolerance and the historical relationship between Indonesia and Uzbekistan during a meeting with the Grand Mufti of Uzbekistan, Syekh Nuriddin Khaliqnazarov, at the Islamic Center Museum complex in Tashkent on Tuesday. Muzani stated that relations between Indonesia and Uzbekistan have been intertwined for centuries through the spread of Islam by Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim, or Sunan Gresik, who is believed to have originated from Samarkand, Uzbekistan. ‘So our heart-to-heart connection has been linked since the 15th century. That is why Indonesia and Uzbekistan feel so close at heart, even though we are far apart, like siblings,’ Muzani said in a written statement received in Jakarta. ‘And this is also a source of pride for the Indonesian nation. Because of Bung Karno’s pilgrimage visit, the tomb of Imam Bukhari was reopened for pilgrims from around the world,’ he added. During the meeting, Muzani explained that Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, encompassing a diversity of religions, tribes, languages, and ethnicities. He said these differences are united through Pancasila as the foundation of the state, ensuring that diversity does not become a barrier to national unity. ‘In Indonesia, we are also taught about the Islamic concept of rahmatan lil alamin, which teaches us the importance of practising religion while respecting the highly diverse religious beliefs in Indonesia,’ Muzani said.