thebantenpost.com. Serang, 11 November 2025 — The Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab (FUDA) of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin State Islamic University (UIN SMH) Banten reaffirmed its strategic role in promoting religious moderation through the organization of a Seminar on Religious Moderation themed “Epistemology of Religious Moderation: Between Text, Context, and Social Reality.” The event was attended by all FUDA lecturers and educational staff and was held in the 2nd-floor auditorium of the campus.
The seminar served as a platform to strengthen both academic and practical understanding of the importance of moderation values in Islamic education. Its objective is to equip educators with a balanced scholarly paradigm that harmonizes religious textual studies, social context, and real-life societal dynamics.
In his opening remarks, Dean of FUDA, Dr. Masykur, M.Hum., emphasized that religious moderation has become an integral part of the faculty’s academic policy. He explained that FUDA consistently integrates moderation values across several courses.
“Our hope is that students will not only understand religion from a textual standpoint but also be able to read social realities wisely,” he stated.
He further explained that moderation is not a compromise on religious values, but rather the ability to place Islamic truth proportionally within the framework of universal humanity. He also encouraged future activities to be designed more inclusively, such as by inviting interfaith speakers to enrich perspectives.
Vice Dean III of FUDA and Chair of the Committee, Dr. Endang Saeful Anwar, Lc., M.A., stated that the seminar is part of the faculty’s ongoing program to mainstream religious moderation among lecturers.
“Moderation must be understood not only as a concept but as a way of thinking, behaving, and acting. Lecturers must become role models and be able to internalize moderation values in teaching, research, and community service,” he emphasized.
He added that the event marks an important moment in building an inclusive, dialogical, and socially adaptive academic culture.
“We want FUDA lecturers to become agents of moderation, spreading the spirit of balance and tolerance amidst the diversity of social realities,” he continued.
The seminar featured Dr. H. Suwendi, M.Ag., caretaker of Pesantren Sabilussalam and an expert in Islamic education, as the main speaker. In his presentation, he underscored the importance of understanding the indicators of religious moderation in concrete terms.
“The four main indicators of moderation include national commitment, tolerance, anti-violence stance, and acceptance of local wisdom. These must serve as the foundation for understanding religious texts and for teaching Islam with compassion,” he explained.
Dr. Suwendi also highlighted the strategic role of lecturers in strengthening religious literacy in the classroom. According to him, religious instruction should emphasize the development of multiple literacies so that students can cultivate broader and deeper ways of thinking.
“Learning should not stop at memorization. What matters more is how students understand the substance of the material and are able to develop it independently,” he said.
He added that education must help learners recognize and navigate real-life diversity, both within their immediate environment and in the wider society. This allows them to interact naturally and productively within a pluralistic context.
The Seminar on Religious Moderation was moderated by Salim Rosyadi, M.Ag., Head of the Center for Religious Moderation at UIN SMH Banten. The event ran interactively and served as a reflective academic space for lecturers to strengthen their role as drivers of religious moderation in higher education.
Editor: Aceng Murtado / AM
