NU : National integration is a must

Jakarta, NU Online
Social solidarity, patriotism and heroism form the basis of national integration, deputy secretary general of Nahdlatul Ulama Abdul Mun'im DZ said in Jakarta recently.<>

“We, NU, do cultivate the spirit of heroism and social solidarity to bring about social stability and to create a good environment,” Mun'im told NU Online.

According to him, a positive environment is necessary for national integration.

In addition, he said that for Indonesia to prosper, the country should not discriminate against any ethnic group since the diversity of cultures and traditions form a powerful cohesive force.

In regard with patriotism and heroism, Mun'im called for the importance of commemorating the people in Surabaya fighting bravely for Indonesian independence against the Allies, including the Dutch military, who planned to regain control of the archipelago following the defeat of Japan in World War II. 

In addition, he also mentioned that all this was due to the contribution of respected Muslim cleric KH Muhammad Hasyim Asy’ari, the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), to the Nov. 10 battle of Surabaya.

"Mbah Hasyim issued a fatwa (religious edict) on Oct. 22, 1945 that supported and encouraged Muslims to join the battle and fight against the reoccupation of Indonesia by foreign troops."

Mun'im said that the fatwa written in pegon, among other things, stated "that there is an obligation (fardlu ain) for Muslims to fight against infidels (the Dutch) in order to defend Indonesian independence..."

"This fatwa later on became well-known as the Jihad Resolution," he said.

Editor : Sudarto Murtaufiq