16/08/2025
The True Essence of Islam:
Compassion, Solidarity, and the Unitary State of Indonesia (NKRI)
Islam was never intended as an exclusive project for a select few; from the very beginning, it was presented as a mercy for all creation (Qur’an, Al-Anbiya: 107). Throughout history, Islam has never thrived on division but has instead served as a binding force of civilization. The city of Medina in the 7th century stands as proof. There, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established the Charter of Medina—the first written constitution that united Muslims, Jews, Christians, and other faith communities into a framework of political and social solidarity. This fact alone demonstrates that from its inception, Islam rejected narrow exclusivism and affirmed inclusivity as its very breath.
Today, in Indonesia—home to 231 million Muslims, or about 87% of the population (BPS 2024)—the values of Islam as rahmatan lil-‘ālamīn (a mercy to all) find their most fitting space. The Muslim majority has not turned into hegemony; instead, it strengthens the foundation of pluralism. Indonesia is recognized as the most populous Muslim nation on earth, yet uniquely, the vast majority of Indonesian Muslims remain firmly committed to Pancasila and the NKRI. This is what sets us apart from many countries in the Middle East, where religion is too often placed in opposition to the state.
The solidarity of Indonesian Islam has been proven throughout history. On October 22, 1945, the “Resolution for Jihad” proclaimed by Hadratus Syaikh KH. Hasyim Asy’ari became the spiritual fuel of resistance against colonialism. That same year, Muslim leaders sat together with nationalists of various religions to draft Pancasila—going so far as to willingly remove the “seven words” of the Jakarta Charter for the sake of national unity. These historical facts affirm that Islam in Indonesia did not emerge to divide but to embrace.
In the modern era, our challenges are no longer armed colonialism but a new kind of colonialism: radicalism that divides, corruption that corrodes, and social injustice that deepens inequality. Here, the true face of Islam must shine forth. Islam must stand as a moral force—fighting for social solidarity, defending the poor, protecting minorities, and dismantling all forms of discrimination. As Allah commands: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and giving to relatives; and He forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression” (Qur’an, An-Nahl: 90).
The NKRI is the great framework within which all of this can be realized. Without NKRI, solidarity would fracture. Without inclusive Islam, NKRI would lose its moral soul. The two must walk hand in hand: Islam providing the spirit, NKRI providing the body. Their unity is the foundation of our civilization as a nation.
Thus, anyone today who seeks to separate Islam from the NKRI is, in truth, betraying history. And anyone who uses Islam as a weapon to exclude those who are different is, in fact, undermining the spirit of Islam itself.
The true Islam is a mercy to the universe. It comes not to divide, but to weave solidarity. It belongs not to an exclusive few, but embraces all. And all of this stands beautifully within the frame of nationhood—an NKRI that unites us.
In Solidarity,
Ossama Ruzicka
Depok, August 17, 2025
