Politics and Islamic Culture: Creating a Moral and Religious Society

The intersection of politics and Islamic culture is a quite complicated and diverse topic that demands a profound understanding of the subtle interplay between these two fundamental parts of a society. The relationship between politics and Islamic culture can be considered as a dynamic and diverse process that can changes the moral and religious fabric of a society. This is especially true in the political sphere, where the relationship between the two of it can be perceived as a powerful force. We can gain insight into how Islamic politics and culture interact with each other and influence each other in the process of shaping a moral and religious in society by investigating the relationship between it. This will allow us to take into account the various factors that contribute to this complex interaction, such as the role of religious leaders, the impact of historical events, and the influence of external forces on the political and cultural landscape.

One of the most important features of this relationship is the part that we can see Islam plays in influencing political discourse and decision-making through its influence. Religion is not only a personal faith in many nations with a majority Muslim population, but it is also an official religion that serves as a guiding force for the political and social fabric of the country. It is possible that this will result in a system in which political leaders and policymakers heavily draw from Islamic ideas and values when making choices, frequently with the intention of advancing moral and religious values within the society. In Indonesia, for example, the Pancasila, which is the name of the country's founding principles, includes the notion of "Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa," which translates to "the belief in the one and only God." This belief is considered to be an essential component of the political identity of the country.

However, the combination of politics and religion can also result in controversy and conflict if it is not handled properly. Some people and organizations may have the opinion that the government is beyond its authority when it imposes religious beliefs on the populace, while others may consider it to be essential in order to preserve social cohesiveness and moral standards. For instance, in Indonesia, there have been worries regarding the growing influence of Islamic organizations and parties in local governance. This has resulted in accusations of "Islamization" and the promotion of Islamic ideas through government policy. In addition, there have been allegations that they are promoting Islamic ideals. As a consequence of this, a delicate equilibrium has been achieved between the promotion of Islamic values and the safeguarding of individual rights and liberties.

There is a significant role that education and the media play in forming public opinion and propagating religious values, which is another key part of the interaction between politics and Islamic culture. Some people in Indonesia believe that the proliferation of prominent television preachers and dakwah (Islamic proselytization) programs on national private television stations is a crucial role in the propagation of Islamic principles and values throughout the country's society. As a means of engaging audiences and promoting Islamic ideals, these programs frequently include charismatic preachers who provide a combination of religious lessons, narratives, and entertainment. Because they contribute to the formation of public opinion and have an effect on the way people think about and act upon their faith, these programs have the potential to have a tremendous impact. For instance, a study discovered that viewers in various parts of Indonesia responded differently to the shows, with some perceiving them as a source of spiritual direction and others viewing them as a sort of amusement. This was demonstrated by the fact that the study focused on the practices of dakwah on television in everyday life.

In addition, the role that Islamic organizations and civil society groups play in the promotion of religious principles and moral standards is also an important one. In Indonesia, organizations such as the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the Indonesian Islamic Student Association (PMII) play an important part in the promotion of Islamic principles and moral standards through a variety of activities. These activities include religious instruction, community outreach, and advocacy with the goal of advancing Islamic values and standards. When it comes to promoting religious beliefs and moral standards, these groups frequently collaborate closely with government agencies and other stakeholders. This effort can contribute to the development of a society that is more united and harmonious.

Another significant facet of the connection between politics and Islamic culture is the influence that Islamic law, often known as Sharia, has on the formation of social and political standards. In many countries where Muslims make up the majority of the population, Sharia is considered to be an essential part of Islamic law and is frequently utilized as a foundation for making decisions in both the legal and political spheres. The implementation of Sharia, on the other hand, can be contentious, particularly in situations where it competes with secular laws and human rights. In Indonesia, for instance, there have been discussions over the implementation of Sharia law in particular domains, such as the application of the law to family law and the administration of criminal justice.

In conclusion, the relationship between politics and Islamic culture is a complicated and multi-faceted subject that plays a crucial part in the formation of a society that is both moral and religious. The promotion of moral and religious values through education and the media, the role of Islamic organizations and civil society groups, and the application of Islamic law are some of the many positive aspects of this relationship. While there are concerns about the potential for government overreach and the promotion of religious values through policy, there are also many positive aspects to this relationship. In the end, the most important thing that can be done to establish a society that is both moral and religious is to find a way to strike a balance between these competing interests and to make sure that religious values are promoted in a manner that is respectful of all members of society and that is inclusive of all people.

Dian Safara Azzahra_20230510143_J_AIK 2 Universitas

Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta