BANDUNG, itb.ac.id- The month of Ramadan is the right and best momentum to interpret the diversity created around the community. On Thursday (29/04/2021), ITB held an event, "ITB Talks: Ngabuburit with K.H Husein Muhammad," with the theme "Respecting the Diversity (Tasamuh)."

In her remarks, the Rector of ITB, Professor Reini D. Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., said several points regarding diversity, namely plurality as a factor in progress and problems. According to her, diversity needs to be respected and maintained, especially in the academic environment, to open and broaden new ideas.

Diversity becomes the initial foundation for creating a superior scientific culture that is expected to open up new opportunities. The culture is collaboration, especially collaboration across disciplines to develop special humans. "However, diversity can also be a problem when we consider differences as conflict," she said.

The event was continued with tausiyah by K.H Husein Muhammad, caretaker of Dar al-Fikri Islamic Boarding School, Arjawinangun, Cirebon. He invited the participants to understand how or what Islam views pluralism in the context of religion and belief.

He explained that Islam as a religion of monotheism emphasized that humans are the most honorable creatures of God among God's creatures. This approach is due to the privileges and advantages of humans compared to other God's creatures; that is, humans are given an intellectual mind or reason.

He emphasized that humans with their minds are given the freedom to choose their way of life, including choosing people's thoughts or views and choosing their religious beliefs. In addition, reason also guides people to carry out their obligations as Muslims, namely amar ma'ruf nahi munkar. "Intellect also enables humans to behave fairly to humans from any group. These are all big ideas about humanity (humanism) given by Islam," he said.

At the end of the Ngabuburit event, he revealed that the practice of pluralism does not equate to all religions. Recognition of pluralism and tolerance between religious communities is an appreciation for religious adherents to practice their respective beliefs.

Reporter: Daffa Raditya Farandi

Translator: Billy Akbar Prabowo