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| The book review discussion of Buya Syafii's books of thought, which attracted many participants. (Photo by Yafi PR of UMM) |
The figure of Buya Syafii Maarif is known as a scholar and role model for Indonesian society. Many books by writers and scientists take the ideas of Buya Syafi'i. One of them is a book entitled "Berdiang di Perapian Buya Syafii" by Riki Dhamparan Putra. It was discussed in a book review by the Postgraduate Directorate of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM).
The discussion, held on March 18, 2023, also collaborated with the Gerakan Pemikiran Syafii Maarif (GPSM) [Translated: Syafii Maarif Thought Movement]. Interestingly, several presenters discuss and dissect the book. As for the author, Riki said that the writings in his book are his point of view seeking warmth from the thoughts and ideas of Buya Ahmad Syafii Maarif. Mainly about religion, nation, and culture.
"The perspective about the culture is the most prominent in this book. Because I see culture as something unique in Buya Syafii's thoughts. That is the main reason why I compile this book. Of course, I hope that it can become one of many references to explore Buya Syafii's thoughts," he explained.
According to Riki, in Buya Syafii's thoughts, Indonesia is still in a cultural perspective and a vision in progress. Indonesia is pluralistic and tries to unite its people into one unified building.
"One of the main forms of Indonesian identity is formed by the religion. Before Islam came to Indonesia, our ancestors already had knowledge of theology hundreds of years ago. That knowledge already exists and forms a line of thought about the universe, even though it is not manifested in the form of a book," explained Riki.
Furthermore, Riki explained that a piece of knowledge is born and expressed in the form of culture practiced and passed down from generation to generation. It was this that became Buya Syafii's point of view on Islam and Indonesians.
On that occasion, the Lecturer from President University, Dr. Abdullah Sumrahadi, S.IP, M.Sc, also attended the discussion as a book reviewer. Abdullah said this book was a gift for groups who wanted to explore Buya Syafii's thoughts from a different perspective, at least from a cultural and literacy point of view.
"Islam must be down to earth in its movements. One of them is through culture," said the Member of the Lembaga Hikmah dan Kebijakan Publik (LHKP) [Translated: Muhammadiyah Public Wisdom and Policy Institute].
This differed from what was conveyed by another expert, UMM International Relations lecturer Muhammad Subhan Setowara, S.H.I., M.A. According to him, besides being known for his thoughts on religion and nation, Buya Syafii was also very close to young people, even with his efforts to encourage them to become agents of change.
"That is also written in this book. Interestingly, the article of this section is given a quite unique subtitle, namely Muda Penjaga Layar Perahu (Translated: Young Sailboat Guard). I think this book is written in a light and simple way, so that the readers can immediately understand and not feel tired," he concluded. (put/zak/wil)
