Liberalism in Islamic View

Before going deeper, let us first consider what is the definition of liberalism. According to John Locke, in general, liberalism aspires to a free society, characterized by freedom of thought for individuals. J.A.C. Coady, who views liberalism from the social sphere, defines it as a social ethic that defends freedom (liberty) and equality (equality) in general.

Liberalism, whose emergence was marked by the French revolution and in the 18th century. The spirit of resistance against oppression, feudalism and class differences in society and the dreams of independence and freedom, then inspired other parties and continued to grow until it became one of the isms that had enough. many followers in various fields, until recently.

In Indonesia itself, some Muslim youths and intellectuals have tried to incorporate liberalism values into the teachings of Islam. We know it as the Liberal Islam Network or JIL. Figures such as Ulil Abshar Abdalla, Zuhairi Musrawi, Denny JA and Abdul Moqsith Ghazali are responsible for the birth of JIL and the spread of Liberal Islam.

The definition of Liberal Islam, from the name alone may be clear; an interpretive understanding of Islamic teachings which is based on Liberalism values. interpretation of the "New Islam" which is modern, free, plural and scientific.

I personally think that the emergence of Liberal Islam is a form of counter or antithesis of conservative Islamic teachings such as Wahabi / Salafi ideas, which so far have an image of orthodoxy. The presence of these Muslim Liberalists, seems to want to bring a "new face" about Islam which is modern and intelligent. Or maybe we can call it; not out of date.

The presence of Liberal Islam with JIL as its main bearer, cannot be separated from controversy. Some contra parties consider Liberal Islam a heretical sect because it carries the values of freedom and pluralism which are considered incompatible with Islam. The thoughts of Liberal Muslims, such as it is not obligatory for women to wear the headscarf, may marry different religions (in some conditions), all religions teach the truth and so on, causing outrage from some parties. Even the Indonesian Ulema Council had issued a fatwa haram for JIL.

However, not a few also support the presence of Liberal Islam. Coolness, tolerance, modernity, discussion and scientific study of Islam become special considerations for those who support it.

I am not part of either. I do an analysis of Liberalism in Islam, with a position as "'people outside of Islam" and try to be as objective as possible.

From my position, I have divided contemporary Islam into three types; Conservative, Moderate and Liberal Islam. Conservative Muslims are those who argue that Shari'ah law is still ideal when applied at this time. Including being applied as the legal basis of a country. Moderate Islam are those who are in the "middle way". Not reactive, tends to adapt easily to local wisdom, and the struggles that are undertaken are usually in the social, educational and political fields. We can say that NU and Muhammadiyah are in this type. Liberal Islam, meanwhile, are those who dream of freedom of thought and opinion and promote "renewal" in Islam. Both from the internal and external realms.

Then, how about the existence of Liberalism itself in the body of Islam? Of course we cannot get adequate views and judgments if we look at this issue not objectively. I am not a JIL person, but I can assure you that if the assessment of them is accompanied by disbelief and subjective judgment, then that judgment is definitely biased and unfair.

In their actions, Liberalist Islam dwells on new ideas and thoughts. Yes ... just ideas and thoughts. They have never carried out sabotage, physical attacks on those who oppose them or even bombs. Instead, these Liberal Muslim leaders prioritize discussion to stake their thinking.

In Indonesia, freedom of assembly and discussion is guaranteed by the state. This country is based on democracy, where freedom of opinion and expression is not prohibited. After all, sometimes I think, this is just a thought. It will not kill you. If you don't like it, don't follow it. If you feel disturbed, please discuss with the person concerned.

Because for me personally, disbelief (let alone physical assault) due to religious matters is not smart. In this country, you are free to speak out about the concept of the Islamic Khilafah and other people are equally free to speak out about the need to apply the values of Liberalism in Islam. You, who disagree with Liberal Islam, have the same rights as those who believe in it.

And the most important point here, is about the inevitability of the development of thought, as human civilization advances. Do you remember Ptolemy who spawned the theory of "the earth is the center of the solar system", in which the theory was refuted by Corpenicus who said that the sun is the center of the solar system and the earth is only a small part of it. Or, how people used to only think of jokes about "humans who can fly", until the Wright brothers made the joke real by inventing aircraft technology.

The development of thought cannot be denied or prevented. History has recorded how old theories and teachings are undermined by new ones. And religion is not an exception. The religious leaders who drafted the law on smoking, which did not exist in the prophet's era, were a development of thought. The scholars who designed how to pray while in outer space, is a development of thought. Whether or not a celebration ritual, which did not exist in the prophet's era, is a development of thought. The movement that was initiated by Martin Luther against the corruption by the church at that time, which then gave birth to Protestant Christianity, was a development of thought. And, the need for Liberalism values to be applied in Islam, cannot be denied, is also a development of thought.

And the funny thing is, most of the new thinking, initially considered as an insult and a disgrace to the existing thought. Galileo, Corpenicus, Jesus and even Muhammad himself experienced it.

I cannot say that Liberalism in Islam is a good or bad thing. I, again, am not in that position. But what I know is that progress and development of thought will always exist along with the times. And thought is something that cannot be killed. Instead of exhaustion trying to kill a thought, you better appreciate it and put forward a discussion to overcome the differences it causes.

Source: https://www.kompasiana.com/dbmartha/552add726ea8341f17552cfb/liberalisme-dalam-islam