Mohd Kamal Hassan's Wasatiyyah Thought: A Critical Review

Abstract

As a result of a number of tragic events, Muslims have been accused of being terrorists, violent and extremists.  This phenomenon is in contrast with Islamic vision that Muslims are the best of ummah and Islamic religion is perfect. This situation has also created many problems and need to be corrected. Muslim scholars including Kamal Hassan began calling for the Islamic moderation (wasatiyyah) in explaining that Muslims are not as being accused. This research is a qualitative research and used descriptive, analysis dan synthesis methods.  Wasatiyyah concept is an established Islamic teaching. It originated from al-Qur’an and supported by hadith and interpreters of al-Quran such as Sheikh Abdullah Basmeih, Ibnu Kathir, Muhammad Asad, Sayyed Qutb, Wahbah Az-Zuhaili dan Yusuf al-Qardhawi. This concept is further strengthened by special characteristics of Islam and other concepts, such as rabaniyyah, insaniyyah, syumul, rahmatan lil alamin and maqasid syariah. The basis of the wasatiyyah concept is al-Qur’an, hadith Rasulullah SAW, opinions of Islamic scholars and logic. Indeed, it is very clear that Islam is a moderate (wasatiyyah) religion and the Islamic groups that are violent and extreme should be helped so that the Muslim dan non Muslim can live in peace and harmony.