A state leader represents a nation which he leads so that the good and bad of a nation can be noticed from his behaviors as the role model. Indeed, the crisis of a nation is the role model crisis of the leader.

In a seminar on ‘Islamic Thoughts and Civilization’ organized by Universitas Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Thursday (12/01), one of the organizers of the Council of Young Indonesian Intellectuals and Ulema (MIUMI) Yogyakarta, Subhan Khafifi, stated that Indonesia is now encountering the role model crisis of the leader. He argued that Indonesian government does not perform good role models of a leader.

“Therefore, we have to see the leadership of ulema, leaders who are always inspired by Al-Qur’an and Sunnah, and care of all aspects. People needs a leader understanding religious teaching,” Subhan asserted.

Meanwhile, Ustad Khoirul Umam from UNIDA contended that Muslims also face a huge challenge. Many Muslims are lack of understanding of Islam. They perform pillars of Islam without fathoming the Islamic teaching.

“Many Muslims learn Islam in certain time, as they are getting older or will pass away. They only pray, give alms, and fast so that they are susceptible to other thoughts. For instance, many Muslims were used to reciting Al-Qur’an, but they mock Al-Qur’an after influenced by western thoughts,” Ustad Khoirul conveyed.

He emphasized that Muslims, particularly Muslim leaders, should possess tough foundation in order that they are susceptible to western perspectives, and can view the western perspectives from Islamic teaching perspectives. “Islam focuses on not only religious aspects and hereafter but also all life aspects. Hence, Muslims should be able to concern with all aspects since Islam encompasses political, economic, and other aspects,” he affirmed.