Browsing by Subject "Islam"
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ItemMercy (Rrahmah) as the prelude to IslamMercy is central to the very identity of Islam, yet this is not often recognized by theologians and scholars. This paper will demonstrate that the idea of mercy is important as a prelude to the understanding of Islam and an interpretation of its teachings. This important role of mercy is evident in Islam's primary sources – the Quran and the Sunnah – and is not contingent on political, social, or historical contexts. It is well recognized that the proper comprehension of Islam hinges on grasping the attributes of God, his divine message, and the character of his messenger. But what is often overlooked is that these aspects are fundamentally rooted in mercy. Islam encourages its followers to cultivate merciful virtues. It emphasizes that the compassionate nature of the faith should always precede the understanding and interpretation of its teachings. As a result, Muslims are encouraged to nurture a compassionate self, foster a benevolent mindset and approach, and anchor their religious obedience in the spirit of mercy. While followers of Islam are responsible for upholding this ethos, external observers too should try to view the religion fairly based upon this recognition of the centrality of mercy.
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ItemSufi Islam and syncretism in Java: and its implications for local secularismThis paper examines the influence of animism and Sufi Islam in Java. It will show that the accomodating approach of Sufism and its tolerance of syncretism was a factor in the spread of Islam in Java. It will be argued that this syncretism also opens a place for certain local forms of interreligious tolerance and prepares for what is known in Indonesia as pancasila. Many modern versions of secularism while porporting to be accomodating to religion have become hostile to religious belief. But Indonesian forms of secularism and pancasila emerge from these deeper religious roots, which are often overlooked. Nowadays, with greater global influence, this syncretism and religious tolerance is under threat. This paper will suggest that an appreciation of the Sufi and syncretic origins of Indonesian thought can serve to strengthen modern understandings of pancasila and secularism. This can work to mitigate hostility and sectarianism. By maintaining itself as an approach which harmonizes with Western concepts of secularism, yet with a deeper religious framework, Indonesia can maintain a tradition of toleration, which respects multiculturalism and religious pluralism in resistance to more intolerant relgious movements