MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Islamic Scholars from ‘Aisyiyah across Java Island gathered in Yogyakarta on Saturday (13/12) where Salmah Orbayinah, president of the ‘Aisyiyah Central Board, emphasized that Islam was revealed to liberate humanity from darkness into light.
She said this principle is clearly stated in the Qur’an, surah Ibrahim, verse 1, which speaks of freeing people from poverty, discrimination, injustice, oppression, and related forms of suffering.
“As stated clearly in Surah Ibrahim verse 1, the mission of Islam, and the mission of Prophet Muhammad and the prophets before him, is to liberate humanity from all forms of injustice and discrimination,” Salmah said while opening the Pre-Conference Seminar and Workshop and the National Gathering of ‘Aisyiyah Scholars at the ‘Aisyiyah Central Office Hall in Yogyakarta.
Salmah noted that, in reality, many forms of injustice against women persist today. She suggested that this is often linked to religious interpretations that have not been fully or properly understood.
“Therefore, we still need a correct understanding of religion — one that aligns with the vision of rahmatan lil ‘alamin, spreading compassion and mercy to all,” she explained.
The event, themed Constructing the Thought of ‘Aisyiyah Scholars: Responding to Religious and National Issues, was intended to consolidate and strengthen networks among women scholars within ‘Aisyiyah.
“There are many women scholars, and we hope they will develop perspectives and discourses on life and on women’s rights,” Salmah said. “So that when decisions are made based on hadith and Qur’anic verses, they are grounded in sound understanding and free from discriminatory interpretations.” (Janu) (Translated by Bintang Adrian)
