TGB Zainul Majdi: Strengthening The Education Curriculum Is Important To Counter Extremism

Former Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Tuan Guru Bajang Haji Muhammad Zainul Majdi at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) Jakarta/ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Al-Azhar Indonesia International Alumni Organization Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) HM Zainul Majdi reminded the importance of strengthening the education curriculum to counter extremism and radicalism from an early age.

"Knowledge is the essence of religion, so make sure you get religious knowledge from competent people. The scientific chain is part of religion," said TGB Zainul Majdi in the webinar "Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy" as reported by ANTARA, Friday, August 12.

He highlighted a number of points for countering extremism and radicalism. First intervention in education. Islamic materials taught at all levels of education must be combed from extreme and radical content.

According to him, the material should not contain extremism and intolerance because, in the social sphere, Islam teaches the principles of complementarity, collaboration, and giving each other the best.

"Twenty years from now, the faces of our children are what we planted before," he said.

Second, he explained, teachers who teach must have a moderate vision. He focused on education outside the pesantren. Not a few religious schools were built by foundations or certain groups that only pursue profit. Finally, aspects related to religious substance are not considered.

"Because the pesantren must have memorized that the teacher is someone who is known to the Kiai. He (the Kiai) knows not only his normative understanding but also the internalization of Islamic values by exemplifying it," he said.

Third, continued TGB, is faith. According to him, faith must be associated with morality. Asmaul Husna has taught humans noble values, not only good names for the Creator but must be reflected by humans in everyday life.

"How do we manifest Asmaul Husna in daily social interactions, have an inclusive attitude," he said.

Fourth, he said, multiplying religious cultural material in Islamic religious education where Islam is not only a norm but also a culture.