COUNSELLING ON THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONCEPT OF WASATHIYAH (MODERATE) ISLAM

Abstract

The idea of the concept of Wasathiyah Islam (moderate Islam) reappeared in the High Level Consultation (Summit) of World Muslim Scholars and Intellectuals at the Bogor Palace, 1-3 May 2018. Wasathiyah Islam is perceived as a perspective that understands the position of Islam between two extreme opposite points: Fundamentalist and radical on the one hand, and liberal and permissive on the other. Women are the party most
defeated by Islamic fundamentalists and most disadvantaged in the application of rigid Islamic sharia in various places in the Islamic world. In connection with concept of Wasathiyah Islam, women have monitoring ability that can promote constructive dialogue and provide understanding, both in the family and in the community. Therefore, women need to be equipped with a full understanding of the concept of Wasathiyah
Islam, because misleading understanding can foster religious radicalism on the one hand, and permissive attitudes will dwarf the understanding of religion on the other. The method used in this counselling includes several stages: 1) survey; 2) module making; 3) counselling; 4) interactive dialogue; 5) evaluation. The results of the counselling showed that after the training, participants enhanced their knowledge about the concept of
Wasathiyah Islam. They began to realize that they had an important role in instilling a correct understanding of Wasathiyah Islam towards their families and communities.