Rector of UIN Jakarta Presents the Influence of al-Maturidi's Theological Thought in Religious Moderation in Indonesia

Rectorate Building, UIN News Online- Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar M.A. Ph.D. mentioned the importance of Imam Abu Mansur Al-Maturidi's theological thought (kalam) in fostering religious moderation among Indonesian Muslims. This was said by Rector Asep Jahar in the forum 'Moturidiylik-Bag'rikenglik, Ma'tadillik va Ma'rifat Ta'limoti or Maturidiyya- The Doctrine of Tolerance, Moderation and Knowledge', in Samarqand, April 29-30, 2025.

Rector Asep Jahar traveled to Uzbekistan in order to fulfill the invitation of this forum of the Muslim Community and Academics of Uzbekistan. 70 speakers from 27 countries attended the forum, including academics, muftis, and scholars of Maturidi theology.

In his presentation, Rector Asep Jahar revealed that al-Māturīdī's theological thought has significantly contributed to strengthening religious moderation in Indonesia through several principles and interpretations that are relevant to the context of diversity and the challenges of the times. This theology provides space for reason ('aql) in understanding religious teachings, while still recognizing the authority of revelation.

“This approach allows Muslims (in Indonesia, ed.) to use reason in interpreting religious texts, resulting in an understanding that is more contextual, flexible, and not trapped in rigid literal interpretations,” he said.

The theological thinking model of al-Māturīdī that takes a middle position between various extreme schools of thought also plays an important role in building a religious attitude that is tolerant of diversity. This theology encourages Muslims not to easily disbelieve others and deny the role of humans themselves.

“This principle of balance is an important foundation for the development of Wasathiyah (moderate) Islamic thought in Indonesia. Furthermore, it is very important in maintaining unity and avoiding polarization among the Indonesian Muslim community which is diverse in religious practices and organizational affiliations,” he added.

A number of traditional and modern educational institutions such as Dayah, Pesantren, and even State Islamic Universities under the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia such as UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya and others have become important agents in the study and dissemination of al-Maturidy's theological understanding in Indonesia. So are the Islamic mass organizations that developed among Indonesian Muslims such as Nahdlatul Ulama and others.

A number of scholars also played an important role in the study and dissemination of al-Maturidi theology such as K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid, Professor Nurcholid Madjid, and K.H. Said Aqil Siradj and others. K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid played an important role referring to his role as a cleric, scholar, leading the Nahdlatul Ulama organization, and even becoming the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia (1999-2001).

Nurcholish Madjid or Cak Nur (1939-2005) was an influential Islamic modernist thinker. Although influenced by modernist thinkers, his emphasis on rationality, ethical monotheism, and the importance of reinterpreting Islamic tradition in light of contemporary challenges is in line with key aspects of Māturīdī thought. He promotes the concept of “Islamic inclusivism”.

Then, Said Aqil Siradj, former Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (2022-2027), is known for his strong defense of moderate Islam and his efforts to counter radicalism. Said often emphasizes the importance of tasamuh (tolerance) and tawazun (balance) in religious practice.

Imam Abu Mansur Al-Maturidi (born 853 AD - died 944 AD) or Abu Mansur Muhammad bin Muhammad bin Mahmud Al-Maturidi As-Samarqandi Al-Hanafi is one of the most influential Muslim theologians in the Islamic world. With the Iraqi Muslim theologian Abū al-Ḥasan al-Ashʿarī (born 873 CE - died 936 CE), this scholar born in Maturid, Samarkand, played an important role in the historical development of the Ahlussunnah Waljama'ah school of thought. (zamin& zm)