Persatuan Islam (Persis)
Introduction
Persatuan Islam (Persis) is an influential Indonesian modernist Islamic organization. Founded in Bandung in 1923, it has played a significant role in advocating for Islamic reform and modernization within Indonesia. The organization’s name, “Persatuan Islam,” translates to “Islamic Union.”
Historical Background
Persatuan Islam was established during a period of significant socio-political upheaval in Indonesia, under Dutch colonial rule. It emerged with the aim of reinvigorating Islamic teachings and bringing them into dialogue with contemporary challenges, bridging traditional beliefs with modernity.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: “Persatuan” is a Malay/Indonesian term meaning “union” or “unity.” “Islam” directly references the religion of Islam.
- Arabic Translation: الاتحاد الإسلامي (Al-Ittiḥād Al-Islāmī)
- Turkish Translation: İslam Birliği
Organizational Vision and Goals
Persis initially concentrated on purifying Islamic practices of local customs that were deemed non-Islamic. It aimed to create an Islamist society centered around the pure teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. This modernist stance often brought Persis into contention with nationalist movements, as it believed in the paramountcy of Islamic unity over national identity.
Activities and Influence
Prior to World War II, Persatuan Islam staunchly opposed the wave of nationalism under the pretext that secular nationalism could fragment the ummah (the global Islamic community). By 1939, however, Persis reconciled some of these tensions by joining the Supreme Islamic Council of Indonesia (M.I.A.I.), contributing to the unification of Indonesian Islamic organizations under a common platform. This joining signified its pragmatic shift towards cooperation in the political landscape of Indonesia.
Support for Religious Education
Persis has a long-standing commitment to promoting religious education. It established numerous educational institutions to provide modern yet religiously grounded curricula. These schools emphasized a rational and textual approach to Islamic studies, contrasting sharply with more traditionalist pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) education systems.
Promotion of Islamic Values
A central pillar of Persis’ mission has been the advocacy and promotion of zakat (charity), salah (prayer), and other core Islamic precepts within daily life. It actively engaged in contemporary political and social discourse, persistently urging Muslims to uphold their religious duties and values.
Modern Era and Legacy
In the post-colonial era and the modern context, Persatuan Islam continues to exert influence through its educational institutions and public mobilizations. It remains vocal on various political and social issues, attempting to balance progressive reforms with devout religiosity, thus exemplifying a blend of tradition and modernity within Indonesian Islam.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam in Modern Indonesia: An Insight into Unity in Diversity” by Mark Woodward.
- “Modernist Islam, 1840-1940: A Sourcebook” by Charles Kurzman.
- “The Decline of Constitutional Democracy in Indonesia” by Herbert Feith.
Conclusion
Persatuan Islam (Persis) has been a cornerstone in the development of modernist Islam in Indonesia. From its educational initiatives to its political alliances, the organization represents a critical nexus of Islamic reform movements in Southeast Asia. Understanding Persis is crucial for appreciating how Islamic modernism interacts with political nationalism and educational reforms in Indonesia.
Key Takeaways
- Historical Context: Founded in Bandung in 1923 during Dutch colonial rule.
- Main Goal: Reform and modernize Islamic practices.
- Educational Influence: Established numerous institutions focusing on a rational approach to Islamic and secular education.
- Political Role: Evolved from opposing nationalism to participating in broader Islamic councils and political cooperation.
Persatuan Islam continues to shape Indonesian Islamic thought, combining dedication to traditional Islamic values with a modernist purview.
