"Islam is the only civilization which has put the survival of the west in doubt, and it has done it at least twice" [1]. The role of religion in historical development cannot be separated. Many scholars have formulated that religion is a fundamental element in a civilization. (civilization).
Religion is the most important factor determining the characteristics of a civilization. That's why Bernard Lewis called Western civilization "Christian Civilization," a key element of Christianity.
Furthermore, according to Christopher Dawson, “The great religions are the foundations of which the great civilization rests” free translation; Religion is the foundation of great civilizations. Among the four great civilizations that have ever existed are Islam, the West (Christianity), India and China. However, Huntington argues that the existing civilizations are Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Confucianism.[2]
Based on the important role of religion in a civilization, it can be predicted that the signs of the destruction of a civilization can be seen from the extent to which the main element (religion) in that civilization can survive and develop in the current era of globalization.
If religion, the primary foundation of a civilization, is damaged, it can be interpreted as meaning that civilization has undergone significant change. But in essence, that civilization is already damaged or destroyed. As in Indonesia, religion poses a major challenge to the nation's identity, whether Malay Muslim or not. This is the greatest challenge of the current era of globalization, as religion faces the threat of a tidal wave of beliefs for Malay Muslim communities, especially in Indonesia.[3]
It cannot be denied that Indonesia is a great and powerful nation. Furthermore, the profound influence of its saints and religious scholars has made this nation nearly an Islamic state in Asia.
However, the extremely chaotic political conditions spearheaded by secular-nationalist groups and the Christianization movement hindered and overthrew the Islam that the clerics and saints of the time were attempting to promote. Prince Diponegoro, for example, had introduced Islam as the greatest force of civilization in Indonesia.
The Indonesian nation was actually one step closer to implementing Islamic law as the foundation of the state. However, this was achieved through a lengthy debate. A dialogue between A. Hasan and Ir. Soekarno, who were very different from a religious perspective, argued that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's leadership system in Turkey, which separated religion and state, was the most modern and radical step.
Meanwhile, A. Hasan, the founder of Persatuan Islam, strongly criticized Soekarno's views on secularism. In an article he once wrote, A. Hasan emphasized that: "Ir. Soekarno did not understand Europe's separation of Christianity from the state, for no other reason than that Christianity does not contain any teachings (concepts) about government."[4]
The debate between Islam and secularism continues. In 1955-1959, M. Natsir delivered a historic speech during the Constituent Assembly. At that time, M. Natsir thoroughly examined the weaknesses of secularism. M. Natsir said; "Secularism is a way of life that contains ideas, goals, and attitudes only within worldly boundaries. A secularist does not recognize the existence of revelation as a source of belief and knowledge. [5]
M. Natsir firmly proposed to the Constituent Assembly that Islam be the foundation of the Republic of Indonesia. However, in 1970, Nurcholish Majid, the chairman of the Indonesian Islamic Students Association (HMI), officially launched the need for the secularization of Islam and the liberalization process.
As an example, look at the Jakarta Charter which was the result of an agreement between the Islamic group and the secular-nationalist group, and its appearance was very brief, only one day after Independence Day on August 18, 1945, after which the Jakarta Charter was changed to become the basic principle in the idea of Pancasila.
If religion fails to contribute to the treasury of human life, it is predictable that the foundations of a nation's civilization will struggle to develop and progress. This is because the foundation of faith is not balanced by scientific values.
In conclusion, religion is the core of civilization. Like a large building, it requires a strong and unshakeable foundation. With that strong foundation, humans can lean on it without fear of falling. Without religion, humans would be wild. Without religion, humans would be blind. Conversely, with religion, humans would be noble. With religion, humans would be more civilized.
Extracted from the book "Indonesia Masa Depan: Perspektif Perabban Islam" by Dr. Adian Husaini
Wallahu 'alam Bisshowab
[1] Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and The Remaking of World Order, (New York: Touchtone Books, 1996), pp. 209-210
[2] Ibid, p. 47.
[3] According to SM Idris, President of the Consumer Association of Penang (PAC), globalization is a very serious threat to Muslims. See Footnote to the book Indonesia Masa Depan, Perspektif Peraban Islam, page 13.
[4] Ibid, p. 34.
[5] Ibid, p. 36.
1 comment