Mengenal Kiayi "Wahabi Lingkungan" - Biografi KH Ulil Abshar Abdalla

Summary

The video discusses the controversial dialogue surrounding environmental issues in Indonesia, focusing on the term 'environmental Wahhabism' introduced by K.H. Ulil Absar Abdallah, a prominent figure from Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU). The script highlights Ulil’s diverse intellectual journey, from traditional Islamic education to his involvement in liberal Islamic thought and philosophy. The narrative also touches on his political career, his stance on Islamic sects, and his recent shift toward Sufism. The dialogue is framed against the backdrop of mining and environmental debates, showcasing Ulil's evolving role in controversial public discussions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gus Ulil Absar Abdallah, a key figure in Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), has a complex intellectual journey, starting from a traditional Islamic boarding school background to studying in the West.
• 😀 Gus Ulil's educational path included studying at Al-Anwar Sarang and Mathaliul Falah Islamic boarding schools, followed by a stint at the Al Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Jakarta, known for its Salafi-Wahhabi thought.
• 😀 Gus Ulil became influential in the 1990s as a co-founder of the Liberal Islamic Network (JIL), which aimed to counterbalance the rise of hardline Islamic groups in post-Soeharto Indonesia.
• 😀 Despite his liberal stances, Gus Ulil's views have often been controversial, including his support for marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men and his defense of sects like Shia and Ahmadiyah, which are considered heretical by some mainstream Islamic groups.
• 😀 Gus Ulil’s shift in focus from liberalism to Sufism marked a significant transformation, with his current public persona emphasizing spiritual and philosophical aspects of Islam.
• 😀 In recent years, Gus Ulil made headlines with his controversial statements regarding environmentalism, notably his use of the term 'environmental Wahhabism' to describe certain environmental activism.
• 😀 Gus Ulil’s reference to 'environmental Wahhabism' draws parallels between environmental alarmism and the rigid, puritanical nature of Wahhabi ideology, which has sparked strong reactions in the public and media.
• 😀 Gus Ulil's intellectual journey involved studying Western philosophy and Islamic reform movements, culminating in a focus on Sufism and spiritual thought since 2019.
• 😀 Despite his relatively small following on social media, Gus Ulil has maintained a strong presence through live online religious studies, especially his ongoing study of 'Ihya Ulumiddin' on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
• 😀 Gus Ulil's career has included involvement in politics, particularly within the Democratic Party, although he later shifted away from active politics to focus on teaching and intellectual work.

Q & A

Who is K.H. Ulil Absar Abdallah and what role does he play in the environmental debate?

K.H. Ulil Absar Abdallah is an influential Indonesian Islamic scholar who has been involved in various intellectual and political movements. In the environmental debate, he made headlines for coining the term 'environmental Wahhabism' to critique certain forms of environmental activism, particularly those he saw as alarmist or excessively influenced by global ideologies.

What is the significance of the term 'environmental Wahhabism' introduced by Gus Ulil?

The term 'environmental Wahhabism' was introduced by Gus Ulil to describe an extreme form of environmental activism that he believed was overly influenced by global ideologies like 'wokeism' and alarmism. He intended to caution against environmental advocacy that he saw as rigid and puritanical, similar to the ideological rigidity of Wahhabism.

How did K.H. Ulil Absar Abdallah’s educational journey shape his intellectual views?

Ulil’s education journey was diverse and shaped his intellectual evolution significantly. He began with traditional Islamic studies at Islamic boarding schools, then pursued further education at the Al Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, where he was exposed to Wahhabi teachings. His later studies in philosophy and Western criticism, including his time at Boston University and Harvard, broadened his views and led him to develop a unique synthesis of Islamic thought and rationalism.

What role did Ulil play in the establishment of JIL (Liberal Islamic Network)?

Ulil was one of the key figures in establishing JIL in 2001, aiming to counterbalance the rise of hardline Islamic groups after the fall of Soeharto's regime. JIL was designed to encourage young Muslims to critically engage with Islamic teachings, question traditional views, and participate in open debates about religious thought.

Why did Ulil’s involvement with JIL become controversial?

Ulil’s involvement with JIL became controversial because of its liberal stance on Islamic teachings. JIL encouraged intellectual freedom and debate, which challenged traditional Islamic views, and Ulil’s personal views, such as the acceptance of Shia and Ahmadiyah, were seen as heretical by many mainstream Islamic groups.

What shift has Ulil made in his intellectual and religious identity in recent years?

In recent years, Ulil has shifted from being known as a liberal intellectual to embracing Sufism, a more mystical and spiritual form of Islam. This transition marks a return to his roots in Islamic spirituality, blending rationalism with the Sufi tradition, and reflects a transformation in both his religious and intellectual identity.

What are some of Ulil's controversial views regarding Islamic theology?

Ulil has held several controversial views in Islamic theology, such as his belief that marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men is permissible, and his views on sects like Shia and Ahmadiyah, which he does not consider heretical. His liberal approach to Islamic law and theology has often put him at odds with mainstream Islamic thought.

What was Ulil’s role in the Democratic Party, and why did he step away from politics?

Ulil held a leadership position in the Democratic Party, working on strategy and policy development. However, after the legal troubles of Anas Urbaningrum, the party’s leader, Ulil stepped away from politics and focused on teaching and intellectual pursuits, maintaining a lower profile in the public sphere.

How does Gus Ulil’s return to the media in 2019 reflect his intellectual evolution?

Gus Ulil’s return to the media in 2019 marked a significant shift in his intellectual focus. He began promoting Sufism, presenting himself as a rational spiritual leader, and continued his intellectual work through live religious studies. This return to public life reflects his ongoing evolution from a liberal thinker to a more spiritual, Sufi-oriented figure.

What impact did Ulil's philosophical studies and Western exposure have on his religious views?

Ulil’s studies in Western philosophy, especially during his time at Boston University and Harvard, had a profound impact on his religious views. These experiences expanded his thinking, exposing him to critiques of traditional religious dogma and fostering a more liberal and intellectual approach to Islam. His exposure to different schools of thought shaped his views on Islamic reform and interfaith issues.