Between Idealism and Reality

An Evaluation by Faqih Abdurrahman
If we want to discuss Islam Nusantara, there is one organization that can not be separated to participate discussed is Nahdatul Ulama or better known as acronym NU. This organization is the largest Islamic organization founded by KH Hasyim Asy'ari [1], one of Indonesia's national heroes. The reason why NU can not be separated discussed is that this organization is the originator of the idea of ​​'Islam Nusantara'. In NU's 33rd Congress, 'Islam Nusantara' became the main theme of the congress that was arranged in the phrase "Affirming Islam Nusantara For Civilization of Indonesia and the World". This theme is a marker that 'Islam Nusantara' is a key subject in the development of NU in the future.
After 'Islam Nusantara' became the theme of NU's 33rd Congress, this idea has already been proposed and examined by two NU leaders Rais Aam KH Mustofa Bisri and Chairman of PBNU KH Said Aqil Siroj. According to KH Mustofa Bisri, 'Islam Nusantara' is a solution to civilization, where the social harmony and social values ​​needed by civilized society exist in the values ​​of 'Islamic Nusantara'. 'Islam Nusantara' itself developed based on the guidance of the network of scholars Aswaja who have the depth of religious knowledge and able to merge themselves in the midst of society, thus by itself formed a distinctive pattern of Nusantara society. Aswaja scholars put forward togetherness, mutual cooperation, and social unity in the Republic of Indonesia based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. This is a concept that reflects the understanding of Islam Aswaja which berintikan grace towards others. Different conditions with the meaning of Islam Rahmatan lil 'Alamin occurred in the Middle East which is the direction of Islam. Conditions there are incompatible with non-Muslim views in which there are many conflicts resulting from political and religious uncertainty resulting in islamphobic symptoms in a non-Muslim majority country. Furthermore, KH Mustofa Bisri described 'Islam Nusantara' as an Islam that existed in Indonesia from the past until now as taught by Walisongo, that is peaceful, harmonious, unselfish, and mercy for all. Walisongo does not teach Islam only by word of mouth but also with deeds [2].