Message of Moderation from Prof. Quraish Shihab: Let's Practice Religion Wisely

Auditorium Harun Nasution, UIN Online News - The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenag RI), in collaboration with UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and the Alumni Association of Al-Azhar University in Egypt, held a 'Public Lecture by Grand Sheikh Al-Azhar: Strengthening Religious Moderation to Build Tolerance and Harmony.'

The Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag RI), represented by the Secretary General of Kemenag RI, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Ramdhani, S.TP., M.T., attended the public lecture held at the Harun Nasution Auditorium on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

In addition to the alumni of Al-Azhar University in Egypt and the academic community of UIN Jakarta, consisting of students and lecturers, the public lecture was also attended by the Founder of the Muslim Council of Elders, Prof. Dr. M. Quraish Shihab, MA.

The Rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepuddin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., warmly welcomed the public lecture. Prof. Asep stated that UIN Jakarta's fields of study often align with those in Egypt because UIN Jakarta fully supports religious moderation.

Prof. Dr. Ahmed At-Tayyeb, Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar as-Syarif, emphasized the importance of maintaining good relationships with fellow humans and with Allah. He also urged people to refer back to the four schools of thought when addressing life’s issues.

In this forum, Prof. Quraish Shihab conveyed the message of preserving the nation's integrity to avoid destruction. According to him, monotheism (tauhid) is paramount, and practicing proper monotheism while maintaining good social interactions are two inseparable aspects.

"Good social interactions must also prioritize tauhid," stated Prof. Quraish Shihab.

Prof. Quraish Shihab advised practicing religion wisely, avoiding insults, and respecting differences. He emphasized that Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) should be well-implemented.

According to Prof. Quraish Shihab, many people possess religious knowledge but do not practice religion or respect it sincerely. This should be avoided as it can destroy the values of religious moderation.

The public lecture can be accessed through the following link: YouTube Live

(Nala Zakina Zuhaida/ Fauziah Muslimah/ Noeni Indah Sulistiyani/Faadhilati Idris/ Foto: Indra Aldiansyah)