THE URGENCY OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN ULAMA AND ACADEMICS IN ADVANCING ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION IN INDONESIA

By: Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI

Islamic civilization in Indonesia has deep roots in the scholarly and missionary traditions of the ulama since the early spread of Islam in the archipelago. The ulama not only served as transmitters of religious teachings but also as social guides, economic motivators, and moral guardians of society.

However, in the modern era—marked by advances in science, technology, and globalization—the role of ulama must synergize with that of academics so that Islamic values can be applied contextually and progressively in building the nation’s civilization.

Collaboration between ulama and academics is essential to bridge the gap between normative religious values and scientific–empirical approaches in addressing contemporary challenges. Without such cooperation, the development of Islamic civilization in Indonesia risks being trapped between two extremes: stagnant traditionalism without innovation, or modernism without spirituality.

A. The Historical Role of Ulama in Building Islamic Civilization in Indonesia

From the era of the Walisongo to the period of independence, ulama played a strategic role in shaping the face of Islamic civilization in the archipelago. They established pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) as centers of education, instilled culturally harmonious Islamic values, and actively participated in the struggle for national independence.

The ulama have long been the moral guardians and protectors of Islamic identity in Indonesian society. Yet, as modern formal education expanded, their role began to coexist with the emergence of Muslim academics possessing expertise in various scientific disciplines.

Here lies a great opportunity to build synergy between the rich legacy of classical Islamic scholarship and contemporary scientific approaches, in order to present a dynamic and solution-oriented Islam responsive to the needs of the ummah.

B. Academics as Agents of Innovation and Scientific Rationality

Academics bring with them the spirit of inquiry, research methodologies, and rational approaches to understanding social, political, economic, and cultural realities. Within the context of Islamic civilization, academics play a crucial role in:

1. Developing knowledge founded on the values of tawḥīd (divine unity);
2. Producing social and technological innovations oriented toward public welfare;
3. Bridging Islam and the modern world without compromising Islamic identity.

However, knowledge without moral and spiritual guidance can become dry—or even misleading. This is where the contribution of ulama is indispensable, ensuring that the direction and objectives of scientific progress remain aligned with the maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah (the higher objectives of Islamic law).

C. Points of Convergence and Synergy between Ulama and Academics

The collaboration between ulama and academics is not merely an ideal but a strategic necessity for building an advanced, inclusive, and civilized Islamic society.

Several potential areas of collaboration include:

1. Integrating religious and secular sciences through comprehensive Islamic education curricula;
2. Conducting collaborative research in social, economic, and technological fields from an Islamic perspective;
3. Encouraging dialogues between scholarship and spirituality, ensuring that academic discourse retains its spiritual dimension;
4. Strengthening Islamic educational institutions—such as modern pesantren and Islamic universities—that combine the power of tradition and innovation;
5. 5. Involving ulama in public policy formulation so that national development is grounded in moral and humanitarian values.

D. Challenges in Building Collaboration

Despite its great potential, collaboration between ulama and academics faces several challenges, including:

1. Differences in epistemological paradigms between textual-traditional and empirical approaches;
2. Communication gaps and differing intellectual styles;
3. The lack of academic platforms linking pesantren and universities;
4. Limited government policy support for integrative research between religion and modern science.

Overcoming these challenges requires mutual respect, intellectual openness, and a shared commitment to realizing Islam as a rahmatan lil ‘ālamīn—a mercy for all creation.

E. Synergy Toward an Advanced Indonesian Islamic Civilization

The future progress of Islamic civilization in Indonesia depends on the unity of vision between ulama and academics in building a knowledgeable and virtuous society.

The ulama provide the moral and spiritual foundation, while academics offer methods, innovation, and practical applications. Both must work hand in hand to:

1. Build excellent and adaptive Islamic education systems;
2. Develop a just and sustainable sharia-based economy;
3. Cultivate a culture of research and modern ijtihād;
4. Strengthen the identity of Islam Nusantara—tolerant, moderate, and visionary.

Conclusion

The collaboration between ulama and academics is not merely a discourse but an urgent necessity for the revival of Islamic civilization in Indonesia.

Ulama without academics lose their innovative edge; academics without ulama lose their moral compass. Both must move together, complementing and supporting one another, to create an Islamic civilization that is knowledgeable, ethical, and progressive—just as Allah declares in the Qur’an:

“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees.”
(Surah Al-Mujādilah [58]: 11)