Religious Moderation among The Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah

Abstract

In recent times in Indonesia, the outlook and attitudes of a person or group of people with religious devotion are likely to be severe, extreme, and intolerant. Furthermore, some are too liberal. Based on the phenomenon, the authors were moved to seek a solution of a sensible way of view and religious attitude (taking a middle and peaceful path) through religious moderation performed by the Nahdlatul Ulama and the Muhammadiyah. This type of research is field research with a qualitative approach, and the method used is a comparative description. A combination of interviews, observation, and documentary studies do the writer’s data collection. As for the analysis, the authors used descriptive analytic data analysis techniques. According to research, Nahdlatul Ulama is an Islamic organization practicing modernity and religion, accommodating tradition and culture, culinary activity, and its deep-rooted message base. In comparison, Muhammadiyah’s religious moderation was performed through Muhammadiyah charity enterprises in formal education, health, and religious dialogue. Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, in certain aspects, are different, though not principles, only branches in the doctrine of Islam. When it comes to religious moderation, both are moderate, having a tolerant attitude with members of other faiths and those of differing religious people, being impartial and neither extreme.