Bring the Peaceful Islam to the Fore

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/11/12/your-letters-showcasing-ri-s-islam-int-l-event.html

“Ya nabi salam ‘alaika, ya rasul salam ‘alaika, ya habib salam ‘alaika, shalawatullah alaika.” (O Allah! Bestow complete blessings and perfect peace on Sayyidina Muhammad )

Amid ocean of people clad in white, the enchanting voice of Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf grew louder along with the drumming of the humble musical instruments. His melodious voice, venerating his love to The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) successfully packed the traditional mawlid recitation rhythm that made it more beautiful and seductive to ears that hear.

As if under a spell, people started to sway back and forth and left and right to the accelerating rhythm of the hymns. A sense of brotherhood prevailed as their human delights clearly found its way through the peaceful melody that promotes traditional Sufi piety and opposes religious and political violence. Their faces beamed with joy and ecstasy. The recitation is acceptable in public ears in tones and rhythms, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, gender, age or background.

On the two main stages, the Vice President, the Governor of Bank Indonesia, The Governor of East Java, The Former Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Organization and dignitaries from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well as World Bank and IMF bore witness as thousands of people solemnly chanted the mantra in unison. This incantation spoke of love and compassion. The Salawat (devotional prayers) is the manifestation of the ultimate call to love Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family and compassion for humanity. This is unerringly an antidote of fear, prejudice and hatred which have plagued the Muslim community.

This mass shalawat marked the grand opening of the OIC Central Bank Governors Meeting held in conjunction with the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) in Surabaya, East Java, on Nov. 3-9. Despite attended by around thirty thousands of people, the humble feast went smoothly without any major incidents. People brought along little candle-like sticks in red and white color, a symbol of Indonesia's national flag and unity. They followed up closely the processions in an orderly manner. Minor incident occurred when out of the crowds, a green flashlight pointed matter of factly at the face of the Vice President when delivering his speech. The law enforcers immediately apprehended the culprit into custody.

All and all, the event was a success in showcasing another side of Islam in Indonesia. Participants from diverse countries were immersed in the joy and solemness of the auspicious event. Some hummed along while others were busy taking some pictures, immortalizing the moment. It was indeed a rare occasion to have ocean of masses in such jubilee.

This peaceful campaign of love and compassion defies any notion that Islam is filled by the nihilists who know only how to destroy and devastate. On contrary, the night’s show culminated that Islam is a peaceful religion based on the dignity of all human beings which was often hijacked by cowards whose actions are the cruelest insult of the religion. The shalawat sheds some lights that Islam brings peace and harmony instead of chaos.

In this spirit of brotherhood and peace, Bank Indonesia chose Surabaya as the venue for the first OIC Central Bank Governors Meeting held in Indonesia to have in-depth discussion about sharia-based economic development among OIC members, focusing on raising awareness regarding financial-deepening strategies incorporated with multinational initiatives in collecting zakat (alms) and increasing community participation in the industry. Having the highest number of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Indonesia, Surabaya has the potential as a pilot project site in order to be named the center of sharia-based product development in Indonesia.

Also, Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia whose population mostly adheres to Islam. It is also the first birthplace of ‘Walisongo (the nine saints of Sufis in Java) whose role in the spread of Islam in Java has lasting effects throughout the island.  Known as the City of Heroes due to its historic role in galvanizing Indonesians the international support for independence, Surabaya has rich culture and historical heritage to attract visitors as well as home to huge market for syariah products.

Against these backdrops, it is no wonder Surabaya is considered the best place to be the pioneer city for flourishing syariah economic products campaign nationally and globally.

It is imperative to tap the potential revenue from Zakat which so far has not been managed in an improved and integrated system for financial deepening and thus improving people’s welfare. Statistics showed that in 2012, Indonesia had had potential revenue from zakat of Rp 217 billion (US$18 million), equal to 3.4% of the country’s Gross Development Product (GDP). Unfortunately, in reality it only managed to collect Rp 2.7 trillion.

Dr. Zamir Iqbal, Lead Investment Officer, World Bank who attended as discussant in the “Islamic Financial Sector Assessment Program (IFSAP): Implementation of Macroprudential Frameworks for Islamic Finance” expressed his satisfaction in joining the event as many beneficial discussion paved ways to the adoption of shariah economics. Further, he liked the city for its hospitality and the diverse arts found in the various souvenirs being sold.

It is also heartening to hear some participants said that the experience transported them to the presence of spiritual brotherhood and the beautiful face of Islam which is rarely exposed and seen.

Ghulam Muhammad Abbasi of Islamic State Bank of Pakistan said he flew home with “lots of excellent memories of Indonesia’s rich culture and hospitality”. Ammar Hiouani of Central Bank of Algeria, praised “”Indonesian people are the right Muslims.””

To bring the other Indonesia’s iconic cultural symbol to the fore, the OIC Central Bank Governors meeting was concluded by introducing the Karapan Sapi (Cow Race) of Madura and Reog Ponorogo dance to the dignitaries. These two cultural shows reflect the diversity of Indonesia’s 300 plus ethnic groups that have their own language, cuisine, traditional dance, arts shows and so forth. The rich cultural heritage is one of Indonesia’s true national riches in wait to be exposed and explored.

And I am truly blessed to be one among witnesses of such jubilant occasion.