Being al-Wasatiyah Agents: The Role of Azharite Organization in the Moderation of Indonesian Religious Constellation

Abstract

Under the leadership of Mustofa Al Maraghi of Egypt, Al-Azhar University established the paradigm of al-Wasatiyah or centrism as its religious view. Its alumni (Azharites) have interpreted, conveyed, and participated in presenting this paradigm in the public discourse in the various parts of the world including Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative and descriptive method based on the observation of the activities and interviews of the members of the Al-Azhar Alumni International Organization (OIAA) in Jambi. The aim is to examine the concept of al-Wasatiyah agents through the social agency theory of Mustafa Emirbayer and Ann Mische (1998). Furthermore, it reviews how OIAA displays its Wasatiyah identity in the Indonesian religious constellation. The results show that OIAA’s role includes three main elements namely selectively reactivating the al-Wasatiyah mindset based on conventions and past experiences, projecting its future trajectory, and contextualizing the spread of its paradigm in the digital society. It confirms the contribution of Azharites in the Muslim society during the millennial period.