Muslim Council Of Elders Seminar Highlights Religion's Role In Cultural Diversity

The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the Indonesia International Islamic Book Fair hosted a cultural seminar titled "The Role of Religion in Promoting Cultural Diversity." The event featured Dr. Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, former Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, and Prof. Oman Fathurrahman from Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University. Dr. Mukhlis Muhammad Hanafi, Director of the Muslim Council of Elders' Branch Office in Indonesia, moderated the seminar.

Dr. Lukman Hakim Saifuddin highlighted that religion and culture are inseparable despite their differences. He cited Indonesia as a global example where religion and culture are integrated seamlessly. He explained that religion provides divine values, but culture is necessary to translate these values into practical reality. Without culture, religious values remain theoretical principles without activation.

Prof. Oman Fathurrahman stressed the importance of integrating religion and culture to promote cultural diversity. He pointed out that cultural diversity is a hallmark of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He mentioned that since the 16th century, Indonesian scholars used the Jawi script (Malay language in Arabic script) for writing, which helped spread Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

At the start of the seminar, participants commended the Muslim Council of Elders for its active role in promoting tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity through various initiatives. These include dialogues between East and West, international peace convoys, and diverse publications aimed at fostering intellectual awareness. The Council also organises seminars and conferences to address contemporary issues constructively.

Dr. Lukman Hakim Saifuddin noted that the Council plays a strategic role in preserving valuable heritage while updating it to meet modern challenges. This ensures that the legacy left by righteous ancestors remains relevant today. He emphasised that culture helps activate religious teachings in daily life, making religious values part of reality despite cultural diversity.

Significance of Cultural Diversity

The seminar attracted many visitors from the exhibition, students from religious institutes, and university students. Dr. Oman Fathurrahman highlighted that cultural diversity is a distinctive feature of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He explained how Indonesian scholars' use of Jawi script significantly contributed to spreading Islam outside Arabia.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating for the third consecutive time in the 22nd edition of the Indonesia International Islamic Book Fair held from 14th to 18th August 2024 in Jakarta.

The seminar underscored how religion and culture together can promote cultural diversity effectively. It showcased Indonesia's model as an example where integration between religion and culture has been successful in expanding Islam's reach while maintaining core religious values.

With inputs from WAM