UNS – The Online Tarawih UNS conducted regularly by Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta invited the Chairman of Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) (the Great Steward of Nahdlatul Ulama), KH. Marsudi Syuhud. Under the theme of the Wisdom of Ramadan toward Tolerance in Nationalism, KH. Marsudi Syuhud discussed the tolerance or tasamuh in the Islamic perspective. The event was held online on Thursday (14/5/2020) through UNS YouTube channel and Zoom Meeting.
Marsudi Syuhud conveyed that the true meaning of tolerance is very broad. It is not limited to the tolerance between religious communities, between Muslims and non-Muslims, between tribes, and between nations, but tolerance also includes tolerance within a religion, tolerance with family, tolerance with God creatures.
“The relation to fasting, it can be interpreted that fasting is Al-Imsak which is to guard. Guarding against the things that cancel fasting and guard ourselves against others. When guarding ourselves, there is a strong correlation with tolerance, for example, gives a sense of security and comfort, can live side by side with others, that is really the essence of tolerance,” KH. Marsudi explained.
The world life must be controlled, one of which is by fasting. Fasting does not stop at teaching changes from having lunch to eating at sunset (maghrib). The change that one’s need to feel in fasting is a change in the ways of thinking and perspective. He also explained that there are three levels or categories of fasting, namely the ordinary people fasting, special people fasting, and fasting of heart and mind.
“The fasting of the ordinary person is keeping the mouth, stomach from lust. The fasting of a special person is keeping the mouth, hand, ears, and all limbs from sin. Then the fasting of heart and thought means the fasting to stay away from what Allah’s prohibits, whether that can be seen by the five senses or not,” he explained.
Tasamuh is a light from Allah, when it is applied, Allah’s light will be embedded in that person’s heart. Tasamuh is a medicine of negative behaviors, also when facing a society that is constantly changing. Usually, the traditions of Eid are homecoming, visiting the grave, Eid prayer, and sungkeman (asking forgiveness from parents and family). However, these traditions are likely cannot be done this year.
“Try to imagine, with the COVID-19 we changed awfully. Homecoming is better postponed because going home can bring illness. Keeping the soul is the main goal of Shari’a. So what is actually prohibited is not a homecoming, not Friday prayers, not Eid prayer, but what is forbidden is the gathering which can result in other people contracting the disease,” explained the chairman of PBNU.
Marsudi added when somebody familiarizes him/herself with tasamuh, their life will be comfortable. Tasamuh is an expensive treasure, rare items possessed by His creatures. Tasamuh is the most important to be possessed in the education field.
“Similarly, people with deep knowledge of religion, technology, they need to be tasamuh because all knowledge is from Allah. All knowledge that can be used for the interest of Allah’s creatures. If Allah’s creature needs food, then it is fardu kifayah for them to learn about new varieties. If Allah’s creature needs technology, then it is fardu kifayah for them to learn about technology,” KH. Marsudi stated.
The online Tarawih was also attended by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, Vice-Rectors, Senate, Faculty chairman, and academic members of UNS. Humas UNS/Bayu