The Role and Challenges of Muslim Families in Building a Rahmatan lil Alamin Image of Indonesian Islam

Document Type : Original Research Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Universitas Paramadina, Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia needs to make efforts aimed at countering Western perceptions that Indonesia is a threat or a breeding ground for extremism. This study will discuss how the Indonesian government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia use narratives in their public diplomacy, namely explaining that Islam, democracy, and modern society can coexist peacefully. This study will also highlight how Muslim families in Indonesia play an important role in cultivating Islamic values rahmatan lil alamin. On the other hand, there are also challenges, related to the fact that families who do not have a strong understanding of religion and ideology will contribute to support the emergence of the phenomenon of "Family Bombing" or "Family Terrorists" as has occurred in several terrorist acts in Indonesia. This research is library research with qualitative methods. Data collection techniques were carried out through document review and literature studies. The study results show that family and environmental factors are very vital in the early detection of any negative movements that have the potential to become radical terrorist movements. Family ties accelerate radicalization. The consideration is no longer politics or ideology, but family ties. In family relationships, there is love, trust or confidence, and a willingness to make sacrifices. That way, it is difficult for them to betray because they are related to the family.

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Main Subjects

References

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Islam and the Contemporary World
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
February 2024
Pages 15-29

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