Islam: arise from reality

reaching for hope

A Book Review at Togamas Affandi Bookstore

February 4, 2017

Islam is one of teachings having majority followers in Indonesia. Behind the rapid development of Islam, there was struggle of the followers which cannot be separated out from the development of Islam itself, related both social and political problems that occurred among society. Ali A. Alawi, in his book ‘Crisis of Islamic Civilization, between Awakening and Total Destruction’ tried to voice his concerns that among Islam teachings, there is one of political Islam.

A political Islam is understood as a doctrine in which the perspective of Muslims were no longer according to Islamic law which was taught by Islam in Medina, but tend to Western views. They spoke and conducted Islam law as a religion but they did not implement it n their lives’, said AM Safwan. All products they use in their lives were the products of the West. "They did not use what comes from their own region, but use products from outside of the region, mainly the Western,’ he added.

AM Safwan tried to explain what political Islam is into several sections such as: first, political Islam more aligned to the interests of capital owners; second, political Islam has no relationship with morals and ethics. Whereas in Madinah, Muslims lived with infidels and did mutual respect. and it was listed in the Charter of Medina. Third, political Islam also objectify the prophet of Muhammad SAW.

Eko Prasetyo added that religion is actually an individual area and in the process, the consciousness as a Muslim is not taught anymore. In the colonialism era, Islam was slowly shifting to the wrong direction. Various problems were raised by the cover of religion. Nowadays, there are many cases of land grabbing which using religion as their cover. What we must ponder is, whether Islam will be the actor? How will we restore this civilization into its track, the true Islam. What has changed from us either society or ourselves.

This scathing criticism is not only for Muslims but all of us. How deep do we know about ourselves as Christians? Have we become Christians living based on the teachings of Jesus as our role model? Because so far there are many teachings in Christianity not appropriate with what Jesus said.

With a hope and sadness, the author expects the awareness of Muslims to think what contribution has been given to Indonesia. Thus, we should be able to restore and begin to observe many problems in our society. What contributions do we give to this country, our families and communities in our surroundings? (SAP).