Halalbihalal Kompas Gramedia employee, Habib Ja'far, says tolerance makes life alive

Habib Ja'far stated that tolerance is one of the teachings of Islam that needs to be well understood by every follower. Tolerance is also a necessity for everyone who lives in the world, especially for the people in Indonesia who live in diversity.

"Without tolerance we cannot live together with those who are different. "Because of that, from the beginning, religion has made tolerance a teaching to give life," said the graduate of the Master of Al-Quran Science, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University.

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The speaker stated that religion is not only meant to provide a life in the afterlife through vertical worship, but it also needs to be carried out through horizontal worship. That means, every follower is expected to perform social worship by living together safely and comfortably in the world.

Without tolerance, we cannot live together with those who are different from us. Hence, from the beginning, religion has made tolerance a doctrine to provide a way of life.

According to Ja'far, tolerance can be practiced in various ways. Tolerance can be made a theme in religious lectures. In addition, tolerance can be embodied by every individual, starting in their own private space. Often, someone talks about tolerance in public space, but in reality, it is not reflected in themselves. Tolerance in symbolic form can also be promoted as a value of life.

"Tolerance can be achieved through our political attitudes towards people who are different from us. Our attitudes towards people who are different from us on social media. This even includes our attitudes as football supporters or in differences in eating stirred or non-stirred porridge," he said.

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In his speech at the Kompas Gramedia Halalbihalal event at Bentara Budaya Jakarta on Wednesday (8/5/2024), Habib Ja'far stated that in the concept of Islam as a mercy to all creation, it has been established that Islam is a merciful religion for all life. "If it is said to be a mercy for all life, then it means not only for Muslims," he said.

However, Islam should also be a blessing for all humans, and even for all living beings, including animals and plants. Regarding this matter, Muslims need to delve deeper into the essence of Islam as a religion of peace.

"Even during times of war, places of worship, religious leaders, and those who worship inside must be protected. If there is a church, then the church, pastor, and congregation inside it must be protected. The same goes for other places of worship," emphasized Habib Ja'far.

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He added that if obstacles to religious worship according to one's religion and beliefs occur in the midst of peaceful conditions, then there is a denial of the essence of Islam as a religion of peace.

"Islamic individuals are not always a representation of Islam. In fact, the character of Islam can be embodied by followers of religions other than Islam. I could see Islam in Paris even though I don't see any Islamic individuals there. But ironically, I may not find an Islamic atmosphere in the midst of a community where the majority are Muslim," he said.

Halalbihalal, as a form of intelligence of the Indonesian Muslim community to create a forum for post-Idul Fitri gathering, is also expected to remain a forum full of benefits. According to Habib Ja’far, let us not allow halalbihalal to be marked by words and actions that contradict the principles of fostering relationships.

"What are the words or actions that go against the principle of maintaining good relations? There are several that I often see, hear, and encounter. For example, boasting or gossiping about others' shortcomings," he added.