12/01/2026

By: Dita Nuri MayangsariStudents of Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya

pwmu.co –

University campuses in Indonesia are a meeting place for various identities, religions, ethnicities, cultures, and outlooks on life.

This diversity is an inevitable social reality, and at the same time a test of maturity for Muslim students in maintaining harmony without sacrificing their faith.

Amidst the currents of social media that often trigger polarization and identity conflicts, Islamic manners are present as a relevant and contextual ethical solution.

Islam views tolerance not as a compromising attitude that obscures faith, but rather as a moral obligation that is firmly rooted in the value of monotheism.

The Qur’an affirms the principle of religious freedom in QS. Al-Kafirun: 6, ” For you your religion, and for me my religion, ” which firmly rejects all forms of forced belief.

This practice of tolerance is reflected in the life of the Prophet Muhammad SAW in Medina through the Medina Charter.

In the charter, Muslims live side by side peacefully with Jewish and Christian communities.

Rasulullah SAW said, “A Muslim is a person who makes Muslims and other humans safe with his mouth and hands ” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).

This shows that social etiquette is the core of a person’s Islamic quality.

The foundation of tolerance in Islam is strengthened from the QS. Al-Mumlahanah: 8-9 which encourages Muslims to do good and be fair to non-Muslims as long as they are not hostile to Islam.

In addition, QS. An-Nahl: 125 emphasizes a polite method of preaching through wisdom and persuasive dialogue, not confrontation.

In Ihya’ Ulumuddin , Imam Al-Ghazali also emphasized the concept of ukhuwah insaniyyah (human brotherhood) which teaches respect for fellow human beings regardless of differences in faith.

Thus, tolerance in Islam has spiritual and social dimensions that are in harmony with Indonesian national values.

As citizens, an attitude of tolerance is a necessity.

The Wahid Foundation released the results of a survey on trends in socio-religious tolerance in society.

The data shows that the majority of respondents, especially women (80.7%), support freedom of religion more strongly than men (77.4%).

The survey also showed that 90.7% of Muslims are willing to live next door to groups of different ethnicities, religions, or sects.

This value of tolerance will be merely rhetoric if it is not implemented in national life.

Young intellectuals (students) must pioneer this implementation because they are the ones who hold the baton of national leadership (Muzakki, 2023).

In campus life, the morals of tolerance can be realized concretely.

Muslim students can respect the holidays and rituals of other religions without engaging in their worship, for example by maintaining public order or respecting the solemn atmosphere during celebrations of other religions’ holidays.

In class discussions and digital spaces, students are required to express their opinions politely, avoid hate speech, and reject the spread of hoaxes with SARA nuances.

Interfaith collaboration in social activities, such as community service or blood donation, is a real form of human brotherhood.

Manners are also important in the digital space. Muslim students should be wise on social media and refrain from posting content that demeans symbols of other religions.

Instead, social media should be used to spread messages of peace and constructive dialogue.

In public spaces such as boarding houses or campus organizations, attitudes of mutual respect and avoiding exclusive attitudes reflect Islamic morals which are rahmatan lil ‘alamin.

The challenges of tolerance in the modern era are real, ranging from political polarization to identity-based radicalism.

However, the sharia solution can start from self-reflection, strengthening tolerance education on campus, and the active role of student organizations in building spaces for interfaith dialogue.

The exemplary behavior of Indonesian scholars, such as Quraish Shihab and Buya Yahya, shows that tolerance means respecting differences without mixing beliefs.

Ultimately, Muslim manners in a pluralistic environment are not a sign of weakness, but rather a manifestation of moral and spiritual strength.

By practicing tolerance based on sharia, Muslim students contribute to creating a peaceful, productive, and civilized campus atmosphere.

This is the concrete manifestation of Islam as a blessing for the universe and a solid foundation for upholding Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which is blessed by Allah SWT. And Allah knows best.****) Editor: 

Notonegoro

source https://pwmu.co/adab-toleransi-mahasiswa-muslim-di-lingkungan-beragam/#google_vignette