MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA—The Chairman of Muhammadiyah Saad Ibrahim delved into Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13). The verse, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Aware,” served as the foundation for Saad’s reflections in a thought-provoking Friday sermon delivered at Masjid Istiqlal on December 29.
Saad eloquently conveyed the message embedded in the verse, emphasizing the intricate diversity of mankind crafted by Allah. Beyond the creation of two genders, Allah, in His wisdom, fashioned humans into distinct nations and tribes, fostering an environment for interaction and mutual recognition. The purpose, as Saad articulated, is to encourage individuals to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, promoting unity through shared values rather than divisive perspectives.
The sermon touched upon the concept of “Lita’arafu,” an Arabic term signifying the recognition and understanding of one another. Saad contrasted this positive outlook with the bleak perspective advocated by figures like Thomas Hobbes, who viewed humans as inherently antagonistic. Saad argued that such a negative outlook contradicts the essence of recognizing and understanding one another, fostering hostility instead of unity.
Saad’s reflections seamlessly transitioned to the Indonesian context, acknowledging the rich tapestry of tribes and ethnicities within the nation. He urged the congregation to embrace the lessons that can be gleaned from one another, emphasizing the importance of learning from the positive attributes each entity brings to the collective identity of Indonesia.
Using specific examples, Saad lauded Indonesia for virtues such as mutual cooperation, courtesy, open-mindedness, and a warm culture of greetings. He urged the audience to surpass these boundaries by willingly learning from other nations, thereby enriching the existing virtues and contributing to a more harmonious society.
In his concluding remarks, Saad expressed a profound hope for the Indonesian nation to be the closest to Allah, the most noble in His sight. He invited the congregation to seek divine assistance, guidance, and protection, offering prayers for the continuous support and safeguarding of the nation.
“May this nation become the closest to Allah, the most noble in His sight. Let us implore Allah for help, guidance, and protection, hoping that this nation will always be aided and protected by Him,” Saad concluded, leaving the audience with a message of unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to a brighter future for Indonesia.
