According to the 2000 census, nearly 88% of Indonesians identified Islam as their religion, solidifying the country’s position as the most populous Muslim-majority nation globally. Christians make up 9%, Hindus 2%, and Buddhists 1%.
In my childhood, I was consistently taught, even mandated, to memorize the Pillars of Faith and the Pillars of Islam. These include beliefs in God, Prophets before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Sacred Books preceding the Qur’an, Angels, Divine Decree, and the Day of Judgment.
This doctrine can be elucidated by a verse from Al Qur’an, particularly a verse from Al Hajj, which states, “ya ayuhannasu ittaku robbakum” or “Oh, humankind, be devout to (worship) your Gods.” I interpret the word “robbakum” to mean God. The God of Islam is Allah, the Hindu God is Sangyang Widiwase, the Jewish God is Adonai, and the Christian God is Allah (read as Alah).
Regarding Christmas, the Islamic Community worldwide officially adheres to the Religious Teachers’ decrees, asserting that greeting someone with “Merry Christmas” aligns with our tenets of tolerance and acceptance of others’ beliefs. It’s about the attitude towards a friend or tolerance between religious communities, allowing us to participate in Christmas festivities without conflicting with our beliefs.
An ABC TV Australia program leading up to Christmas featured a report from Jakarta, capturing my attention. The report showcased how Christmas was embraced in Jakarta Malls. Particularly moving was a mother wearing a headscarf (jilbab) expressing her joy at malls adorned with traditional Christmas decorations—Christmas trees, Santa Claus, snow, and all the festive elements associated with Christmas. The rhythm and tunes of the music are what we associate with Christmas. White Christmas. Shop assistants donned various colored clothing resembling Santa’s attire, complete with distinctive hats.
This program, I believe, could gradually change the opinions of Australians. In the minds of some Westerners, Islam is often viewed as strict, cruel, or even barbaric, akin to the perception of Amrozi and his associates who orchestrated the Bali bombings, claiming hundreds of innocent lives.
The lady wearing the jilbab represents the attitude of the modern world, acknowledging that differences exist. The Pillar of Belief guides us to have faith in the sacred texts of the Al Qur’an and to believe in the Prophets before Muhammad. We can appreciate and take pride in the local wisdom inherent in our culture, exemplified by that mother in her jilbab.
Let’s reflect on the proximity of Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu) temples—not far from each other. This signifies that Buddhists and Hindus could coexist harmoniously at that time, reflecting the ebb and flow of powers and warfare between kingdoms.
To conclude, let’s revisit a quote from Al Qur’an, “I created the Nations and the Tribes so that you can all get to know one another. And in my eyes, they are the most pious and devout.”
However, we still have a long way to go before achieving true tolerance. Western influences, perceived by some authorities as anti-Islam, led to the denial of Lady Gaga’s permission in Indonesia. Authorities argued that she resembled a “devil worshiper.” Perhaps, if she had dressed up as Santa’s helper, she might have been welcomed!
