REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — President's special envoy for interfaith dialog and cooperation and civilization, Din Syamsuddin asked ulemas in West Sumatra to not reject Islamic concept that developed by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), namely Islam Nusantara (Islam Archipelago). He said there should be no refusal to the insight developed by fellow Muslims.

“There should be no such rejection. We must appreciate if there are Islamic groups or mass organizations thet develop certain concept, like NU,” said Din on Thursday (July 26).

Din said Islam Archipelago is a view from Nahdliyin ulemas. He called on the people to restrain and avoid split between Muslims.

"It's ok to have different opinion, but if we disagree, we don’t have to express refusal against NU’s view and opinion," Din added.

However, Din who is also former Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman believed not all ulemas in West Sumatra reject Islam Archipelago. He said the such culture was not the character of Wasathiyah Islam or moderate Islam.

Earlier, West Sumatra MUI decided to stay with their stance. They strongly rejected the naming of 'Islam Nusantara'. Their provision stated in an official letter dated July 21, 2018. West Sumatra MUI believed that 'Islam Nusantara' is not needed in Minangkabau Land.

MUI had responded the rejection. According to MUI deputy chairman Zainut Tauhid, the rejection of Islam Archipelago concept by MUI West Suamtra actually violated the nature and identity of MUI itself. Zainut said the MUI should be a forum for deliberation and friendship of Muslim ulemas from many organizations.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika