As cited on the official website of the Doctor of Islamic Politics Program, the Doctor of Islamic Politics-Political Science Program at UMY, in collaboration with the UMY Postgraduate Program and the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership’s Library and Information Board, held an End-of-Year Reflection Webinar with the theme “Moderation in Islam and Indonesianness” on Wednesday (30/12) via Zoom Meeting and live streaming on YouTube.
The event began with a welcome address from Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P., IPM (Rector of UMY), followed by a keynote speech from the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, Prof. Dr. Haedar Nashir, M.Si.
Haedar stated that Indonesian society has been moderate since the beginning. Even before the nation of Indonesia was born, various tribes had interacted in an adaptive manner. Changes in the religions adhered to by these tribes also occurred peacefully. All of this continued until the nation’s leaders met and agreed to live together under the Indonesian state.
“Inter-ethnic relations have also been moderate. How is it possible that a small ethnic group called Malay had its language adopted as the national language, not Javanese as the largest sub-ethnic group? This shows an extraordinary process of moderation, and this is what has shaped Indonesia,” explained Haedar Nashir.
This webinar also invited Prof. Dr. H. Dadang Kahmad, M.Si (Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board), Prof. Dr. Ahmad Najib Burhani, M.A (LIPI), M. Najib Azca, Ph.D (Sociologist at Gadjah Mada University), Prof. Dr. Phil. Al Makin, S.Ag., M.A (Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta) as speakers. The event was moderated directly by Dr. Zuly Qodir, M.Ag (Head of the Doctor of Islamic Politics Program at UMY).
Islamic moderation or Wasathiyyah Islam has been practiced by the Prophet Muhammad since his time in Medina. At that time, Muslims and people from various religions and tribes successfully made an agreement to live together under the Medina Charter, Dadang explained.
Islamic moderation is also part of the manifestation of Islam as a religion of mercy. “The universal ethics of Islam as rahmatan lil alamin include attitudes such as bringing happiness to others, freeing others from suffering, being happy in the happiness of others, and treating everyone with equal love,” explained Dadang Kahmad.
Attended by more than 500 participants via Zoom Meeting and more than 200 people watching the live YouTube channel of the UMY Doctor of Islamic Politics Program, the event was very active with various critical questions being raised in the Zoom chat column.
