Lukman Hakim Saifuddin: There Are Three Things That Should Be Observed Regarding The Emergence Of Acts Of Terrorism

JAKARTA - The former Minister of Religion for the 2014-2019 period, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, underlined three things in examining the recent emergence of acts of terrorism.

First, the development of an exaggerated, exaggerated view of religious attitudes and religious practice which actually reduces or even eliminates the dignity of humanity which ultimately denies peace, something which is at the core of the goal of reducing religion.

Second, the development of baseless religious interpretations that confirm the truth of itself. Then, there appears an interpretation that does not follow the rules of interpreting religious texts so that religious interpretations are born that are not scientifically based.

He said this could be seen from the meaning of the word 'jihad'.

Lukman said, the word 'jihad' has a very diverse meaning, not only as a term of war, but also a word which is essentially an effort or serious endeavor in carrying out activities in God's way.

Lukman said, the word 'jihad' can have many meanings, for example a person who died while gaining knowledge could be called a martyr or died in a state of jihad.

"People affected by the pandemic can also be said to be like that. Even people who are hit by collapsed buildings have several hadith texts that mention that," Lukman Hakim said in a webinar Weekend Talk held by the Public Virtue Research Institute and the Jakarta Risalah Forum, Sunday, April 4.

However, what is happening now is that the meaning of 'jihad' has been reduced or changed, so that its meaning is considered only war. According to Lukman, this is clearly beyond limits.

Third, the emergence of understanding related to religious understanding and practice that divides and rips nationality.

"Currently, we feel that an understanding and even religious practice has tore apart the knit of our nationality so that it becomes factors that directly or indirectly give birth to acts of terrorism," he said.

Therefore, he continued, when there is an expression that says terrorism is a crime of humanity and has nothing to do with any religion, it is necessary to be careful about interpreting this expression.

Lukman said this expression could be justified in the understanding that no religion teaches violence or terrorism. Sebba, terrorism is not known as the teaching of any religion.

But, he continued, it must also be understood that those who carried out this action, based on a legal decision, had something to do with religious understanding.

So, said Lukman, one must distinguish between religious teachings and religious interpretations that transcend boundaries and extremes

He said, this act of terrorism arose because of injustice. And people who are impatient to see that injustice, then respond with shortcuts that are beyond the form of limits, exaggeration or which are known as extremes.

In addition, he assessed, acts of terrorism are a form of response in understanding and practicing religious teachings which are the embodiment of the extremities of the religious perspective, attitudes and practices of some people.