Jakarta, IO – The Maarif Institute held a Ramadan study by dissecting the book “Imajinasi Islam” (Islamic Imagination) in Tebet, South Jakarta, Tuesday (26/3).
This work contains the thoughts about the future of Islam written by more than 50 scholars and activists to celebrate the 70th birthday of Prof. Dr. Komaruddin Hidayat.
Ahmad Gaus AF, the editor of the book, said that the book’s title aptly describes Komaruddin Hidayat. According to Gaus, the former rector of Islamic State University (UIN) Jakarta always envisioned Islam as an inclusive and visionary religion.
Gaus explained that Islam, especially in Indonesia, is well-placed to embody the characteristic of “rahmatan lil alamin” (blessing for the universe) which is actually the basic aim of the presence of Islam.
However, the opposite is actually happening now. Quoting Komaruddin, Gaus even said that Islamic society, especially in Indonesia, had lost the imagination to be themselves.
“We have lost our imagination from 800 years ago. Islam is limited to only two things in the words of Prof. Komar. First is jurisprudence, second is aqidah and both we inherited from the Dark Ages,” Gaus said.
“Its characteristics are exclusive, conservative, dogmative. Because Islamic law before the Dark Ages was a very open, inclusive and even progressive law,” he continued.
Gaus said that this anxiety has prompted Komaruddin to act, including building the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) in Depok, West Java to advance Islamic study in the country.
“One of the reasons why we are not moving forward is because we cannot define Islam ourselves. Our Islam is defined by other people, especially the Arabs, Middle Eastern Muslims,” said Gaus.
Komaruddin’s anxiety was also acknowledged by Neng Dara Affiah, a women’s activist and contributor to the book. “Just like what Gaus said earlier, Mas Komar complained about the decline of Islam,” he said.
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Nevertheless, she said that Komaruddin is a figure who is able to convey philosophy in familiar religious language, making him relatable to many people.
Neng Dara also expressed optimism that Indonesia can become a ‘mecca’ for Islamic progress if we looked at the ability of Indonesians to practice the essence of Islam as a religion of love.
“Civilization should not be identified by how tall the buildings rise, or how big the mosque is. But the simplest thing is to be able to smile, to be kind, compassionate and respectful toward others,” said Neng Dara. (un)