Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) held a public lecture titled “Mainstreaming Islamic Wasatiyyah in Indonesia,” featuring Prof. Din Syamsuddin, MA, as the Chairman of the Global Fulcrum of Wasatiyat Islam.
“I take this opportunity to invite Indonesian Muslims to practice wasatiyyat Islam or what is referred to as the middle path of Islam, so as not to get caught up in extremism,” he said in front of hundreds of Muhammadiyah members and the academic community of UMSU, during a public lecture held at the UMSU Campus Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No.3 Medan, Wednesday (15/1).
Serving as the moderator for the public lecture was the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Religion, Dr. Muhammad Qorib, MA.
According to him, the Pancasila state is the embodiment of Islamic Wasatiyyah, especially with the Jakarta Charter whose first point states the belief in God, with the obligation to implement Islamic law for its adherents.
“Then Ki Bagus Hadikusumo proposed a change to the first principle of Pancasila, by replacing the phrase ‘its adherents’ with ‘The One and Only God’.” That’s stronger, that’s Wasatiyyat Islam. in practicing religion, do not go overboard, especially in practicing a religion that is not taught,” he said.
He also conveyed that, besides being in the Qur’an and Hadith, Islamic Moderation has been widely mentioned by classical scholars, who refer to it as al-aqidah al-wasithiyah.
“Wasatiyyat is about moderation and balance.” It means, do not go overboard, especially by doing what was not taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and do not reduce it to the point of making religion seem easy,” he said.
Prof. Din also said that Islamic wasatiyyat is not something new; it has already developed previously, and on a global level, it has also emerged, especially with the rise of global terrorism where Muslims are accused and generalized as if all Muslims are terrorists. It was at that time that Islamic wasatiyyat developed, including in Indonesia.
In addition, the Chairman of the World Axis of Moderation felt happy to return to the city of Medan and witness UMSU experiencing very commendable development and progress. “Upon inspecting the integrated campus land, I believe this will become a beautiful campus among universities in Indonesia.” Seeing the 3D video of the conference and Aisyiyah venue is amazing, said the UMSU Rector.
Previously, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, on this occasion, conveyed the progress of the integrated UMSU campus and the Mukhtamar location that is currently under construction. Then, he said that Prof. Din greatly motivates UMSU to continue developing.
“I still remember one of the motivations and driving forces at that time, Pak Din said UMSU must develop its infrastructure, back then UMSU was only located on Muchtar Basri and Jalan Denai.” Then UMSU, with great enthusiasm, built the postgraduate building from 2013 to 2015, which was inaugurated by Pak Din,” said Prof. Agussani.
Prof. Agussani said that in the upcoming 49th Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah congress, the locations will no longer be far apart. The hope is that the building to be used will be completed on time.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of PWM North Sumatra, Prof. Dr. H. Hasyimsyah Nasution, MA, expressed gratitude for Prof. Din Syamsuddin’s presence at UMSU, “Of course, this support will certainly facilitate the organization of the Muktamar,” he said.
He also recounted his experience as a student learning from Din Syamsuddin as a lecturer.
The signing of the MoU
The public lecture was marked by the signing of the MoU between UMSU and Bank Danamon Syari’ah regarding Digitalization and Sharia Financial Solutions. The signing of the MoU documents was conducted directly by the Rector of UMSU, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, and the Director of Bank Danamon Syari’ah, Herry Hykmanto, witnessed by Prof. Din Syamsuddin, MA, as the Chairman of the Sharia Supervisory Board of Bank Danamon, the General Chair of PWM Sumut, Prof. Dr. H. Hasyimsyah Nasution, MA, and the BPH UMSU, Dr. H. Bahril Datuk, M.M.
“This cooperation is a follow-up to the good relationship that has been established since 2012.” We hope to continue providing support, especially in the construction of the auditorium. Hopefully, this collaboration can run optimally,” hoped the Director of Bank Danamon Syari’ah.
Also present at this event were the Chairman of MUI North Sumatra Prof. Dr. H. Hasan Bakti Nasution, M.A, Chairman of PWM North Sumatra Prof. Dr. H. Hasyimsyah Nasution, MA, Regional Leaders of Aisyiyah North Sumatra, Daily Supervisory Board of UMSU, Vice Rectors of UMSU, Regional Head of Danamon Bank Sumatra Riana, Head of Syariah Funding Business Merci Santi Adriani, Head of Syariah Assurance Iqbal Maulana, Chairman of MUI Medan Dr. H. Hasan Matsum, M.Ag, Religious Leaders of North Sumatra, Regional Leaders of Muhammadiyah and Regional Leaders of Aisyiyah, PCM and PCA throughout Medan City, Deans and Vice Deans of UMSU, Heads of Bureaus, Bodies, Centers, Institutions, and Units within UMSU.
