Muslim intellectuals introduce science-based sharia

Delft, NU Online
The Association of the Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (PRIMA) has introduced a science-based Sharia that will provide strategic solutions to Indonesia's problems, including poverty, corruption, unemployment and other domestic issues, said an executive who works at PRIMA.<>

"Today, many Indonesian Muslims are either studying or doing research abroad. Through PRIMA, we are able to formulate and express our ideas on Islam that can solve many problems in Indonesia," said PRIMA's Secretary General, Ryan Zahaf, on Wednesday.

Ryan, who is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the Pusan National University, South Korea, said PRIMA is a professional organisation comprising many Muslim intellectuals. These intellectuals include lecturers, researchers and practitioners.

"The intellectuals reside in several regions, including the United States, Europe, East Asia and Australia. Some of them are studying and others are either carrying out research in educational institutes or working in the industry," he said.

According to him, Indonesia has problems in the following areas: politics, the economy, social affairs, defence, security and the environment.

Instead of improving the lives of 240 million Indonesians, the government adds piles of problems that never get resolved.

"The activities organised by PRIMA increase the public`s awareness of Islam. The activities show that by following Islam, problems can easily be solved," Ryan said.

Ryan added that Islam can solve many problems in the following fields: the government, financial transactions and trade, natural resources management, defence and security, education and culture.

"This is called Sharia. We believe that if Sharia is implemented properly, it will not only benefit Indonesia but the world. According to Allah, Islam gives blessings to the universe," Ryan said.

Currently, PRIMA has more than 40 members: six are doctors and 20 are doctoral students in the fields of natural sciences, engineering and technology, manufacturing and industry, nuclear technology as well as finance, economics and the social sciences.

PRIMA organises group discussions on a variety of topics, including sciences, cooperation between academic organisations and scientists, publicity of electronic magazines, and the introduction of an e-radio to enhance Indonesia`s human development.

"We will also organise the Sharia economic conference in Hannover (Germany) on February 9. Hopefully this event will give an overview of how Islam can develop Indonesia and the world," Ryan said.

Editor : Sudarto Murtaufiq