UIN Jakarta Library, News Online - Main Auditorium, July 09, 2024 - In a public lecture entitled "Affirming Religious Moderation to Build Tolerance and Harmony" held at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, prominent Muslim scholar, Prof. Dr. M. Quraish Shihab, called for the importance of moderation in religion, and emphasized that maintaining the integrity of the country requires a moderate and wise approach in carrying out religious teachings.

In his presentation, Prof. Quraish Shihab also emphasized the importance of knowledge in being moderate. According to him, there are three things that are often considered the same but are actually different: religion, religious knowledge, and religion. "Religion is already perfect. Religious knowledge continues to develop and there are differences between the knowledge known by one scholar and another. Religion requires knowledge, so that our way of religion is in accordance with science, then the mecca of true knowledge already exists, namely Al-Azhar," he said.

Continuing in his general lecture, he conveyed a message to avoid destruction in maintaining the integrity of the country. According to him, tawhid is the first so that appropriate tawhid and good socializing are two things that must not be broken. "Socialize well, but also prioritize tawhid," said Prof. Quraish Shihab.

Prof. Quraish Shihab asserts that tawhid and good socialization are two things that should not be disconnected. In his view, knowledge is an important basis in religion so that Muslims can carry out religious teachings correctly and wisely. With the understanding that religion is perfect but religious knowledge continues to develop, Muslims are invited to always prioritize correct knowledge in religion.

In the midst of increasing polarization and extremism, a moderate approach is key to maintaining harmony and peace in a religious society. The religious moderation delivered by Prof. Quraish Shihab invites Muslims to avoid fanaticism and extremism, and to always seek a wise middle ground in dealing with various religious and social issues. With this approach, it is hoped that Muslims can be wiser in their attitudes and actions, and be able to contribute positively to creating a harmonious and peaceful society. (Rizki Mulyarahman)