REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA -- An Indonesian Islamic leader has called on Muslims in the country to follow a middle path in life.
"This outlook is the crystallization of Islamic values as a 'middle-way religion'," Din Syamsuddin, the general chairman of Muhammadiyah, which is one of the major Indonesian Islamic organizations, affirmed here on Friday (17/7).
After conducting an Eid prayer at the North Square of the Yogyakarta Sultanate, he stated that the principles of middle path or moderation and tolerance were intrinsic to Islam and should be followed by the community and state and should be part of the nation's life.
"This is because we were born out of diverse backgrounds and an atmosphere of diversity in terms of religion, tribe, language, culture, religious understanding, and community organizations," he pointed out.
As a middle way, he remarked that Muslims are called to showcase to the world by presenting evidence of their progress in culture and civilization.
"It is this kind of middle way approach of Islam that can possibly be a solution for Indonesia to rise, advance, and make achievements," he emphasized.
Din stated that in the course of time, the concept is expected to become synonymous with Indonesia as a free nation.
As a free nation, Indonesia needs to focus on its character-building efforts, so that vested and group interests are not given priority over public and national interests, he emphasized.
He affirmed that the nation's people must be righteous, tolerant, and respect all differences.
"It must also free itself from corruption and start making achievements and enjoy the fruits of its labor," Din, who is also the chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), stated.
He noted that in the current modern global era, every Muslim is required to be able to showcase his/her consistency in upholding his/her religious values and in their implementation.
"Certainly, it must not be carried out by ignoring positive values emerging from advancement, as Islam is a religion that promotes progress and has always encouraged its followers to strive to achieve progress," he added.
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