Jakarta, NU Online
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest part of Indonesian Muslims has contributed to the principles of life that eventually form a nation-state. Although it is a predominantly Muslim country, Indonesia does not choose to become an Islamic state. <>

Deputy General Chairman of the Central Board of NU KH As'ad Said Ali made the remarks here on Monday, adding "maintaining unity becomes a serious problem. But through the local wisdom emanated from 'cultural flexibility' various problems can always be solved, and foreign influences can wisely be addressed."

He said that within the body of the largesy Muslim organization, the Nahdliyin (NU followers) must take into account the balance between theology (aqidah), shariah (legal system) and mysticism (spirituality).

Therefore, in implementing the religious teachings, NU has based its principles such as tolerance (tasamuh), moderation (tawasuth) and balanced (tawazun). The three principles are coupled with other principles such as justice, deliberation and musawah (equality).

"In addition, implementing the three principles of brotherhood is a must. The three principles are ukhuwah Islamiyah (brotherhood among Muslims), ukhuwah wathoniah (brotherhood among people of the same nation), and ukhuwah insaniyah (brotherhood among all human beings).

In the face of modernization, Kiai As'ad called for the importance of holding the NU principle so-called al-muhafadzah alal qadimisshalih wal ahdzu bil jadidil aslah (maintaining long-standing good (beneficial) values and taking better new ones).

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq