Jakarta (ANTARA) - Ma'ruf Amin, Indonesia's vice president and non-active general chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), affirmed that the council will relentlessly strive for mainstreaming moderate Islam that directs the organization's method of thinking and movement.

"Over the past five years, the MUI Leadership Council has made the national congress' decision as MUI's manhaj (method) or way of thinking and moving," he told reporters here on Thursday.

Amin noted that the mainstreaming of Islam wasathiyah, or promoting the middle path, is an urgent need in line with the strengthening of radicalism, be it the left, such as liberalism and secularism, or the right, such as terrorism under the guise of religion.

Moderate Islam is a way of thinking that is neither too complicated nor too loose. Wasathiyah Islam lies between these two extremes, according to Amin.

The 10th National Congress of the MUI held on November 25-27, 2020, will elect a new general chairman of the organization. To this end, Amin advised the next MUI management to make moderate Islam to serve as a guide, way of thinking, and direction for its activities.

Amin is optimistic that the MUI would make continuous improvements to fulfill its role, especially its function as a partner of the government and servant of the people.

The MUI should digitalize its office management and constantly stay abreast of digital technological developments, he emphasized.

Digitalization is deemed crucial since the MUI has duties toward the public, such as Islamic finance, halal product certifications, and disaster management.

Related news: VP seeks LDII's participation in deradicalization program
Related news: Indonesia should become reference for studying moderate Islam: VP






Translator: Anom P, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020