PODCAST ASY-SYIFA' | PLURALISME AGAMA | USTADZAH HANIN DAN USTADZ AZHAR (Part 2)

Summary

In this podcast episode by Pesantren Assyifa Muhammadiyah Bantul, Ustaz Azhar discusses the concepts of pluralism and liberalism in religion, specifically from an Islamic perspective. The talk delves into the distinction between pluralism, which equates all religions as equally valid, and pluralitas, which acknowledges the existence of different religions without affirming their truth. The conversation covers the history of pluralism, religious tolerance (tasamuh), and how Islam offers a solution through pluralitas without adopting pluralism. Additionally, the discussion touches on the concept of Samawi religions and the role of Islam as a 'Rahmatan lil Alamin' (mercy to all worlds).

Takeaways

• 📚 The discussion revolves around pluralism, liberalism, and secularism, particularly their prohibition in Indonesia since 2005.
• 🕌 The podcast highlights Islamic teachings and the importance of understanding key Islamic concepts like pluralism and tolerance (tasamuh).
• 🤝 Pluralism, according to the speakers, is seen as the belief that all religions are equally true, which is not accepted in Islam.
• 🛑 Pluralism contrasts with Islam's perspective of pluralitas, where the existence of other religions is acknowledged, but their truth is not accepted.
• 🔍 The podcast emphasizes that Islam does not endorse pluralism, but it promotes tolerance and respect for the existence of other faiths without recognizing their truth.
• 📖 The hosts explain that the Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, Judaism) are referred to as agama samawi (heavenly religions), but Islam is seen as the final, corrected version.
• 📜 The concept of naskh (abrogation) is discussed, explaining how newer revelations supersede previous ones, reinforcing that following Muhammad’s teachings is necessary.
• ✍️ They also touch on the history of previous scriptures like the Torah and Bible, stating these texts were altered over time, whereas the Quran remains unaltered.
• 🌍 The hosts explain Islam's concept of 'rahmatan lil alamin' (a mercy to all worlds), which calls for a moderate, non-violent, progressive practice of Islam.
• 🏥 Muhammadiyah is cited as an example of an Islamic movement that embodies 'rahmatan lil alamin' through educational, social, and healthcare institutions open to all people, regardless of religion.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in this podcast episode?

The main topic is pluralism and its relationship to liberalism and secularism, specifically how pluralism relates to Islamic teachings.

What is pluralism according to the speaker?

Pluralism, as defined by the speaker, is the belief that all religions are equally valid and true. It promotes the idea that there is no single absolute truth in religion, which contrasts with Islamic teachings.

How does pluralism differ from pluralitas in Islam?

Pluralitas in Islam acknowledges the existence of different religions but does not recognize them all as true. Instead, it emphasizes tolerance (tasamuh) without equating the truth of Islam with other religions.

Why was pluralism declared haram in Indonesia in 2005?

Pluralism, along with liberalism and secularism, was declared haram in Indonesia because it is seen as a concept that undermines the Islamic faith by promoting the belief that all religions are equally valid.

What is tasamuh, and how does it relate to pluralitas?

Tasamuh refers to the concept of tolerance in Islam, which allows Muslims to recognize the existence of other religions without accepting them as equally true. It is the Islamic response to pluralism.

What is the historical origin of pluralism in religion?

Pluralism originated in the West as a response to conflicts arising from religious differences. It was developed as a way to prevent these conflicts by promoting the idea that all religions are equally valid.

What does the speaker say about the relationship between Islam and other religions in terms of history?

The speaker explains that Islam recognizes previous revelations, like the Torah and the Gospel, but believes they were altered over time. Islam is seen as the final and correct revelation, which supersedes previous religious teachings.

What is the concept of nasikh and mansukh in Islamic theology?

Nasikh and mansukh refer to the concept of abrogation, where a new revelation replaces or nullifies a previous one. In the context of religions, Islam is viewed as abrogating previous scriptures like the Torah and Gospel.

How does Islam as 'rahmatan lil alamin' differ from pluralism?

Islam as 'rahmatan lil alamin' (a mercy to all worlds) emphasizes kindness, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence with others without having to recognize all religions as true. Pluralism, on the other hand, demands recognizing all religions as equally valid.

What examples does the speaker give of Muhammadiyah's contributions to society?

The speaker highlights Muhammadiyah's contributions to education, social welfare, and healthcare, where both Muslims and non-Muslims benefit from its services. These efforts embody Islam as 'rahmatan lil alamin' without endorsing pluralism.