There are many guidelines (in Al Qur’an), which we can adopt for developing Indonesia.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD has emphasized the importance of following the Islamic teachings of moderation (wasathiyah) to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation.

Islam wasathiyah teach people to have a balanced relationship (tawazul), tolerance (tasamuh) for diversity and acknowledge it as a blessing, as well as wish to always live in harmony and peace (islah), he said, according to a statement received on Wednesday.

"Creating moderate Muslims is exactly the same as implementing the essence of the philosophy of the state, Pancasila," he remarked at the Nuzulul Qur’an commemoration at At-Taufiq Mosque within the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) School complex here on Tuesday evening.

Nuzulul Qur’an marks Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation, which is believed to have been conveyed to him on the 17th night of Ramadan which, this year, coincided with the evening of April 7.

According to Mahfud, the first president of Indonesia, Soekarno, also practiced the Islamic teachings of wasathiyah because they are in accordance with the Pancasila.

He further said that the teachings and practices of wasathiyah are one of the many lessons that can be learned from Al Qur'an.

The Muslims’ holy book contains many lessons, which can be used as guidelines for advancing Indonesia, he added.

"Al Qur'an is an extraordinary book. It is the greatest miracle that always brings admiration. There are many guidelines (in Al Qur’an), which we can adopt for developing Indonesia," he said.

He added that Soekarno’s slogan of “Never Forget History” — or popularly abbreviated as “Jas Merah” -- is also explained in Al Qur’an.

The coordinating minister then referred to a verse from the Al Qur’an, which states that people should learn from history to build a better future.

"Since long ago, this country has stood (firm on and learned) from the intellectual thinking of Bung Karno (Soekarno), who is a nationalist, (and) religious figure," he added.

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Translator: Genta Mawangi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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