NU propagates moderate Islam

Jakarta, NU Online
Education has apparently had more impact upon attitudes, behaviors and the viewpoints of those following through with it. If religious education they receive has violent tendencies, they will likely be radical religious adherents.

Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) as NU educational institutions have constantly propagated Moderate Islamic teachings. Not surprisingly, cadres growing up from NU community will have moderate and tolerant views including on how to deal with other groups.<>

General chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Hasyim Muzadi made the remarks at the Fifth Regional Interfaith Dialogue in Perth Australia on 28-30 October.

In the meantime, Hasyim, accompanied by chairman of PBNU Prof Dr Masykuri Abdillah, presented a topic entitled "Faith and Education: Preventing the Radicalization of Vulnerable Youth."

"Education generally prepares next generations to be able to understand various issues in their own countries, including how to endorse peace and cooperation," he said.

Masykuri said that Hasyim defined the NU moderation as neither liberal nor conservative having so far been taught in formal and informal educational institutions.

"All this is also related to the position of NU vis a vis the nation's ideology. NU did not want to make Indonesia an Islamic state as asserted by Kiai Hasyim," Masykuri said.

While Masykuri representing the NU's International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS) also presented his views and ideas in terms of the "Conflict Resolution and Peace Building: Combating Mis-Information, Prejudice and Bigotry about Various Faith Groups."

He explained the peaceful religious co-existence in Indonesia could be a good example for other countries, adding that in this regard, the government helped facilitate by setting up what so-called as Inter-religious Community Forum (FKUB) in which religious leaders can gather to take up various issues related to the relationship among religious adherents. (mkf)