Ahmadiyah to Shia Learn Islamic Moderation at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Solo
The Great Tuesday, September 10, 2024
SOLOPOS.COM – The Operational Director of the Sheikh Zayed Solo Mosque, Munajat, delivered material at a seminar and workshop on Islamic moderation to foster harmony and inter-sectarian understanding at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Solo, Tuesday (10/9/2024). (Solopos/Wahyu Prakoso)
Solopos.com, SOLO — A number of Islamic mass organizations starting from the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI)Solountil Shia attended seminars and workshops onIslamic moderationto foster inter-sectarian harmony and understanding inSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Solo, Tuesday (10/9/2024).
The event titled Islamic Moderation: Fostering Inter-Sectarian Harmony and Understanding in the Muslim World is a collaboration between the International Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII) and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
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In addition to Ahmadiyah and Shia, also involved as participants were members or administrators, including the Central Java Regional Leadership of the Muhammadiyah Student Association (PW IPM), the Nahdlatul Ulama Female Student Association.
Then the Community Preaching Institute (LDK) of the Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS), and the Al-Qurra wa Al-Huffazh Association (JQH) of the Raden Mas Said State Islamic University.
Meanwhile, the Operational Director of Sheikh Zayed Mosque Solo, Munajat, and the editor-in-chief of Newsa.id Maria Fauzi were the speakers. Munajat explained that the construction of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even the management and operational costs of the mosque involve the UAE to this day.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was established with the vision of promoting a tolerant Islamic culture and enhancing cross-cultural communication. According to him, religious moderation is not just a mindset but is related to the broader context of life.
He explained that the UAE is a developed country where people can live hedonistically, including using precious stones and gold for building walls and easily finding supercars on the streets. UAE clerics are worried that the younger generation is threatened by hedonism.
Maintaining National Integrity
While in Indonesia, it is generally not like the UAE but there are some similarities experienced by the upper-middle class, for example regarding the habit of eating culinary dishes. Uncontrolled food intake is a factor in health disorders in Indonesian society.
“Moderation is not just a way of being religious. I believe that Islam is not only for happiness in the afterlife but in the world. Islam is for all life. We translate it in this mosque according to the development of abilities,” he explained.
According to him, the target of religious moderation carried out by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is to maintain the integrity of the nation, maintain the heritage of Indonesia and the richness of Islamic culture, maintain the momentum of the revival of the nation and religion, and maintain Islam as a driver and value of cultural progress to civilization.
He said Islamic culture in each region is diverse. A number of implementations of religious moderation in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque include the blending of UAE architecture with Indonesia, such as using kawung batik patterns for the mosque floor.
Then the administrators wear traditional clothes, such as Javanese customs with belangkon; selection of speakers in the study who are able to provide positive inspiration and pray for the good of the nation; displaying cultural arts attractions during Ramadan.
“The performers are non-Muslims. Christians can be puppeteers. People watch the art performances regardless of their background. We introduce them, they are our brothers and sisters who can perform here,” he explained.
In addition, he said, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque provides non-worship services. Many tourists visit with the main purpose of hunting for photos. Not for worship. They can take pictures with the atmosphere of the congregation performing worship.
“Selfies here are okay, we also use firecrackers to celebrate certain big days. The selfies have people praying in the background. Rather than taking selfies while drinking alcohol in other places, it’s scary,” he explained.
Building Harmony
Lecturer of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at UIII, Mughzi Abdillah, explained that the event at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque was a community service of UIII. The mosque is not only a place of worship but also a center of civilization of the social life of the community.
“We hope that the mosque will be a beacon of Islamic moderation. Currently, religious moderation is being echoed but we forget about Islamic moderation. We often talk about interfaith tolerance but we forget about the relationship between Muslims of different sects,” he explained.
According to him, the religious community in Solo is quite mature. Solo can be an example for other regions. In other regions, it is still far from heterogeneity and instead seems to be fighting for homogeneity. In fact, life is more colorful or beautiful with differences.
“Islamic moderation is not just a short-term project but must always be sustainable. We are open to discussion. The curriculum includes Islamic moderation courses so that they become mature. Cultivating it is not finished in a day but is sustainable,” he explained.
Spiritual Instructor/Munich of the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI) Solo, Muhaimin Khoirul Amin, appreciated the seminar and workshop on Islamic moderation to foster harmony and inter-sectarian understanding at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
“This is a good meeting room to bring together academics, Islamic boarding schools, and mosque administrators. The more meeting rooms like this, the more we can get to know each other. Who knows, the people in it can become leaders, become policy makers. The seniors, the fanatics can be replaced with more moderate people,” he explained.
According to him, JAI Solo is less involved in religious activities in Solo. Groups that have involved Ahmadiyah include non-governmental organizations, media companies, and universities.Read Also
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Categories: Ahmadis, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Asia, Indonesia, interfaith, Interfaith tolerance, Islam Interfaith, Sectarianism, Shia