Aswaja Reconstruction as Social Ethics: The Roots of the Theology of the Nahdlatul Ulama Moderation

Abstract

Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah (Aswaja) serves as the theological and social paradigm for Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, traditionally promoting moderation and tolerance. However, the rise of contemporary challenges, including radicalism, intolerance, and social disintegration, necessitates a re-evaluation of Aswaja beyond a mere theological doctrine to function as a relevant social ethic. This study aims to reconstruct the understanding of Aswaja as a comprehensive social ethic by analyzing the reactualization of its core values: tawassuth (moderation), tasamuh (tolerance), tawazun (balance), and i’tidal (justice) in response to modern societal problems. This research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing a literature-based study to examine and reinterpret classical and contemporary texts related to the historical, theological, and social dimensions of Aswaja. The findings indicate that Aswaja is fundamentally a manhaj al-fikr (a method of thought) rather than a rigid doctrine, characterized by its flexibility and adaptability. Reconstructing Aswaja as a social ethic requires the internalization of its core values into the public sphere through a synergistic integration of its three dimensions: creed (aqidah), jurisprudence (shari’ah), and ethics (tasawwuf), which together form a robust foundation for public morality. The study concludes that reconstructing Aswaja as a social ethic is imperative for strengthening social cohesion and promoting an inclusive Islam. By functioning as a relevant ethical framework, Aswaja can effectively counter extremism and contribute to building a just, peaceful, and civilized society, thereby affirming its role as a source of rahmatan lil-’alamin (mercy for all creation).