Muhammad Natsir
Encyclopedia
Mohammad Natsir was a Islamic scholar and politician. He was Indonesia's fifth prime minister.
After moving to Bandung
from his hometown Solok
, West Sumatra
for senior high school, Natsir studied Islamic doctrine extensively. His first articles were published in 1929, and during the 1930s he wrote for several Islamic-themed papers. He entered politics in the mid-1930s, rising through the ranks of Islamic parties. On 5 September 1950, he was chosen as prime minister, a term which he served until 26 April 1951. After his term as prime minister, he became increasingly vocal about Islam's role in Indonesia and was eventually arrested for doing so. Released in 1966 after the New Order government
took power, Natsir continued to be critical of the government, eventually leading to him being banned from traveling.
Natsir wrote extensively on Islam, totaling 45 books and hundreds of articles. He viewed Islam as an intrinsic part of Indonesian culture and was disappointed by the Sukarno
and Suharto governments' handling of the religion. He was given three honourary doctorates during his lifetime, one from Lebanon and two from Malaysia. On 10 November 2008, Natsir was honoured as a national hero of Indonesia.
, West Sumatra
on 17 July 1908. His parents were Mohammad Idris Sutan Saripado, a government employee, and Khadijah. In 1916, he studied at HIS (Hollandsch-Inlandsche School) Adabiyah, Padang. After a few months, he moved to HIS Solok, studying there by day and at the Madrasah Diniyah by night. Three years later, he moved to HIS Padang together with his older sister. In 1923, he continued his studies at MULO (Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs) and he joined Pandu Nationale Islamietische Pavinderij and Jong Islamieten Bond. He also learned to play violin.
After graduating he moved to Bandung, where he studied at an AMS (Algememe Midelbare School, or senior high school). Natsir later said that he had chosen the school for its Western classics class. From 1928 until 1932, he became a chairman of JIB Bandung. He then received a teaching permit after studying for two years at a native teacher's training college. Although he had previously studied Islam
in West Sumatra, while in Bandung he took a deeper interest in the religion, including subjects such as the interpretation of the Quran
, Islamic jurisprudence
, and dialectics; he later studied under Ahmad Hassan, the leader of Persatuan Islam.
.
Natsir began to associate with well-known scholars of Islam like Agus Salim
,, and in the mid 1930s he took Salim's place in discussing the relationship between Islam and the state with future-president Sukarno
. In 1938, he enrolled as a member of Partai Islam Indonesia (The Indonesian Islamic Party), and became the chairman of the Bandung branch from 1940 until 1942. He was also employed as the Bandung Bureau Head of Education until 1945. During the Japanese occupation, he joined Majelis Islam A'la Indonesia
(changed to Majelis Syura Muslimim Indonesia later), and became one of its chairmen from 1945 until the party was banned.
After the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, he became a Central Indonesian National Committee
member. On 3 April 1950, he proposed a motion called Mosi Integral Natsir, that united Indonesia after an agreement
which divided Indonesia to seventeen states. Soon afterwards, he became prime minister, influenced by his role as the head of Masyumi. He served until 1951.
In the Guided Democracy era, he opposed the government and joined the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia
. As a result, he was arrested and imprisoned in Malang
from 1962 until 1964. He was released by the New Order government
in July 1966.
After his release from prison, Natsir became increasingly involved with organizations related to Islam, including the Majlis Ta'sisi Rabitah Alam Islami and Majlis Ala al-Alami lil Masjid, both in Mecca
, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
in England, and the World Muslim Congress
in Karachi
, Pakistan.
In New Order era, he formed Yayasan Dewan Dakwah Islamiyah Indonesia. He also criticized government policy, like when he signed the Petisi 50
on 5 May 1980, which caused him to be banned from going overseas. He died on 6 February 1993 in Jakarta.
as justification. His goal as a politician was to ensure that the Muslim community
lived in a state where Islamic teachings "applied in the life of individual, society, and the state of the Republic of Indonesia". He also fought for human rights
and the modernization of Islam.
Unlike the Kemalist
Sukarno, who viewed religion as an entity separated from the nation, Natsir believed that the separation of church and state
was not applicable to Indonesia, as he saw it was an intrinsic part of their culture and one of the main reasons they fought for independence. To support his position, he often quoted William Montgomery Watt
, saying that Islam is not just a religion, but an entire culture. After independence, Natsir became increasingly disheartened by how Sukarno, and later Suharto, dealt with religion, writing in the early 1970s that Indonesia was treating Islam as one would treat "a cat with ring-worms ". He later began trying to bring Pancasila, the state philosophy of Indonesia, completely in accordance with Islam.
. His later works included some written in English and focused more on politics, as well as the preaching of Islam
and Christian-Muslim relations. Ajip Rosidi
and Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah
have noted that Natsir's writings serve both as historical records and also as guides for future Muslims.
. In academic, he received doctorate honorary degree from Islamic University of Lebanon in 1967 for literature. In 1991, he also received an honourary doctorate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
and Universiti Sains Malaysia
for Islamic ideas. On 10 November 2008 he was honoured as a national hero of Indonesia.
According to Bruce Lawrence
, Natsir was "the most prominent politician favoring Islamic reform."
.
After moving to Bandung
Bandung
Bandung is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia, and the country's third largest city, and 2nd largest metropolitan area in Indonesia, with a population of 7.4 million in 2007. Located 768 metres above sea level, approximately 140 km southeast of Jakarta, Bandung has cooler...
from his hometown Solok
Solok
Solok is a city in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its motto is Kota Beras, which means "the rice city". It has an area of 57.34 km² and a population of over 52,100 people.-External links:...
, West Sumatra
West Sumatra
West Sumatra is a province of Indonesia. It lies on the west coast of the island Sumatra. It borders the provinces of North Sumatra to the north, Riau and Jambi to the east, and Bengkulu to the southeast. It includes the Mentawai Islands off the coast...
for senior high school, Natsir studied Islamic doctrine extensively. His first articles were published in 1929, and during the 1930s he wrote for several Islamic-themed papers. He entered politics in the mid-1930s, rising through the ranks of Islamic parties. On 5 September 1950, he was chosen as prime minister, a term which he served until 26 April 1951. After his term as prime minister, he became increasingly vocal about Islam's role in Indonesia and was eventually arrested for doing so. Released in 1966 after the New Order government
New Order (Indonesia)
The New Order is the term coined by former Indonesian President Suharto to characterize his regime as he came to power in 1966. Suharto used this term to contrast his rule with that of his predecessor, Sukarno...
took power, Natsir continued to be critical of the government, eventually leading to him being banned from traveling.
Natsir wrote extensively on Islam, totaling 45 books and hundreds of articles. He viewed Islam as an intrinsic part of Indonesian culture and was disappointed by the Sukarno
Sukarno
Sukarno, born Kusno Sosrodihardjo was the first President of Indonesia.Sukarno was the leader of his country's struggle for independence from the Netherlands and was Indonesia's first President from 1945 to 1967...
and Suharto governments' handling of the religion. He was given three honourary doctorates during his lifetime, one from Lebanon and two from Malaysia. On 10 November 2008, Natsir was honoured as a national hero of Indonesia.
Early life
Natsir was born in SolokSolok
Solok is a city in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its motto is Kota Beras, which means "the rice city". It has an area of 57.34 km² and a population of over 52,100 people.-External links:...
, West Sumatra
West Sumatra
West Sumatra is a province of Indonesia. It lies on the west coast of the island Sumatra. It borders the provinces of North Sumatra to the north, Riau and Jambi to the east, and Bengkulu to the southeast. It includes the Mentawai Islands off the coast...
on 17 July 1908. His parents were Mohammad Idris Sutan Saripado, a government employee, and Khadijah. In 1916, he studied at HIS (Hollandsch-Inlandsche School) Adabiyah, Padang. After a few months, he moved to HIS Solok, studying there by day and at the Madrasah Diniyah by night. Three years later, he moved to HIS Padang together with his older sister. In 1923, he continued his studies at MULO (Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs) and he joined Pandu Nationale Islamietische Pavinderij and Jong Islamieten Bond. He also learned to play violin.
After graduating he moved to Bandung, where he studied at an AMS (Algememe Midelbare School, or senior high school). Natsir later said that he had chosen the school for its Western classics class. From 1928 until 1932, he became a chairman of JIB Bandung. He then received a teaching permit after studying for two years at a native teacher's training college. Although he had previously studied Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
in West Sumatra, while in Bandung he took a deeper interest in the religion, including subjects such as the interpretation of the Quran
Tafsir
Tafseer is the Arabic word for exegesis or commentary, usually of the Qur'an. Ta'wīl is a subset of tafsir and refers to esoteric or mystical interpretation. An author of tafsir is a mufassir .- Etymology :...
, Islamic jurisprudence
Fiqh
Fiqh is Islamic jurisprudence. Fiqh is an expansion of the code of conduct expounded in the Quran, often supplemented by tradition and implemented by the rulings and interpretations of Islamic jurists....
, and dialectics; he later studied under Ahmad Hassan, the leader of Persatuan Islam.
Career
While still in high school, Natsir became involved in journalism. In 1929 he wrote two articles published in the Algemeen Indische Dagblad, entitled "Qur'an en Evangelie" ("The Quran and the Evangelicals") and "Muhammad als Profeet" ("Muhammad as the Prophet"). He also collaborated with other thinkers to publish the newspaper Pembela Islam (Defenders of Islam) from 1929 to 1935, and wrote extensively about his views on the religion for Pandji Islam (Banner of Islam), Pedoman Masyarakat (Guide for the People), and Al-Manār (The Torch). Aside from writing, Natsir founded Pendidikan Islam (Islamic Education), a private school, in 1930; the school was shut down after the Japanese occupation of IndonesiaJapanese Occupation of Indonesia
The Japanese Empire occupied Indonesia, known then as the Dutch East Indies, during World War II from March 1942 until after the end of War in 1945...
.
Natsir began to associate with well-known scholars of Islam like Agus Salim
Agus Salim
Haji Agus Salim was one of Indonesia's founding fathers and prominent diplomats. He played a leading role in the creation of the Indonesian constitution in 1945 and served as Indonesia's Foreign Minister between 1947 and 1949.-Early life:...
,, and in the mid 1930s he took Salim's place in discussing the relationship between Islam and the state with future-president Sukarno
Sukarno
Sukarno, born Kusno Sosrodihardjo was the first President of Indonesia.Sukarno was the leader of his country's struggle for independence from the Netherlands and was Indonesia's first President from 1945 to 1967...
. In 1938, he enrolled as a member of Partai Islam Indonesia (The Indonesian Islamic Party), and became the chairman of the Bandung branch from 1940 until 1942. He was also employed as the Bandung Bureau Head of Education until 1945. During the Japanese occupation, he joined Majelis Islam A'la Indonesia
Masyumi Party
Masyumi Party was a major Islamic political party in Indonesia during the Liberal Democracy Era in Indonesia. It was banned in 1960 by President Sukarno for supporting the PRRI rebellion.-History:...
(changed to Majelis Syura Muslimim Indonesia later), and became one of its chairmen from 1945 until the party was banned.
After the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, he became a Central Indonesian National Committee
Central Indonesian National Committee
The Central Indonesian National Committee or KNIP, was a body appointed to assist the president of the newly independent Indonesia. Originally purely advisory, it later gained assumed legislative functions...
member. On 3 April 1950, he proposed a motion called Mosi Integral Natsir, that united Indonesia after an agreement
Dutch-Indonesian Round Table Conference
The Dutch–Indonesian Round Table Conference was held in the Hague from August 23 - November 2, 1949, between representatives of the Netherlands, the Republic of Indonesia and the BFO representing various states the Dutch had created in the Indonesian archipelago...
which divided Indonesia to seventeen states. Soon afterwards, he became prime minister, influenced by his role as the head of Masyumi. He served until 1951.
In the Guided Democracy era, he opposed the government and joined the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia
Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia
The Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia was a rebel movement led by army officers of the Indonesian Army.-The Rebellion of the Colonels:...
. As a result, he was arrested and imprisoned in Malang
Malang
Malang is the second largest city in East Java province, Indonesia. It has an ancient history dating back to the Mataram Kingdom. The city population at the 2010 Census was 819,708. During the period of Dutch colonization, it was a popular destination for European residents. The city is famous for...
from 1962 until 1964. He was released by the New Order government
New Order (Indonesia)
The New Order is the term coined by former Indonesian President Suharto to characterize his regime as he came to power in 1966. Suharto used this term to contrast his rule with that of his predecessor, Sukarno...
in July 1966.
After his release from prison, Natsir became increasingly involved with organizations related to Islam, including the Majlis Ta'sisi Rabitah Alam Islami and Majlis Ala al-Alami lil Masjid, both in Mecca
Mecca
Mecca is a city in the Hijaz and the capital of Makkah province in Saudi Arabia. The city is located inland from Jeddah in a narrow valley at a height of above sea level...
, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is a Recognised Independent Centre of the University of Oxford, England. It was established in 1985 with the aim of encouraging the academic study of Islam and the Muslim world. The centre's Patron is Prince Charles.A new building for the centre is situated to...
in England, and the World Muslim Congress
World Muslim Congress
The World Muslim Congress is an Islamic organization based in Karachi. Its co-founder and Secretary-General for over four decades was Inamullah Khan...
in Karachi
Karachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
, Pakistan.
In New Order era, he formed Yayasan Dewan Dakwah Islamiyah Indonesia. He also criticized government policy, like when he signed the Petisi 50
Petition of Fifty
The Petition of Fifty was a document protesting then President Suharto's use of state philosophy Pancasila against political opponents. Issued on 5 May 1980 as an "Expression of Concern", it was signed by fifty prominent Indonesians including former Army Chief of Staff Nasution, former Jakarta...
on 5 May 1980, which caused him to be banned from going overseas. He died on 6 February 1993 in Jakarta.
Politics and views
According to Natsir, his politics were religiously motivated, with ayat 56 of the Adh-DhariyatAdh-Dhariyat
Surat Adh-Dhariyat is the 51st sura of the Qur'an with 60 ayat.- Background :This sura contains 60 ayats. It means The Winnowing Winds....
as justification. His goal as a politician was to ensure that the Muslim community
Ummah
Ummah is an Arabic word meaning "community" or "nation." It is commonly used to mean either the collective nation of states, or the whole Arab world...
lived in a state where Islamic teachings "applied in the life of individual, society, and the state of the Republic of Indonesia". He also fought for human rights
Human rights
Human rights are "commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because she or he is a human being." Human rights are thus conceived as universal and egalitarian . These rights may exist as natural rights or as legal rights, in both national...
and the modernization of Islam.
Unlike the Kemalist
Kemalist ideology
Kemalist Ideology, "Kemalism" or also known as the "Six Arrows" is the principle that defines the basic characteristics of the Republic of Turkey. It was developed by the Turkish national movement and its leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.-Fundamentals:...
Sukarno, who viewed religion as an entity separated from the nation, Natsir believed that the separation of church and state
Separation of church and state
The concept of the separation of church and state refers to the distance in the relationship between organized religion and the nation state....
was not applicable to Indonesia, as he saw it was an intrinsic part of their culture and one of the main reasons they fought for independence. To support his position, he often quoted William Montgomery Watt
William Montgomery Watt
William Montgomery Watt was a Scottish historian, an Emeritus Professor in Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Edinburgh...
, saying that Islam is not just a religion, but an entire culture. After independence, Natsir became increasingly disheartened by how Sukarno, and later Suharto, dealt with religion, writing in the early 1970s that Indonesia was treating Islam as one would treat "a cat with ring-worms ". He later began trying to bring Pancasila, the state philosophy of Indonesia, completely in accordance with Islam.
Writings
Natsir published 45 books or monographs and several hundred articles dealing with his views of Islam. His early works, published in Dutch and Indonesian, dealt with Islamic doctrine, culture, the relationship between Islam and politics, and the role of women in IslamWomen in Islam
The study of women in Islam investigates the role of women within the religion of Islam. The complex relationship between women and Islam is defined by Islamic texts, the history and culture of the Muslim world...
. His later works included some written in English and focused more on politics, as well as the preaching of Islam
Dawah
Da‘wah or Dawah usually denotes the preaching of Islam. Da‘wah literally means "issuing a summons" or "making an invitation", being the active participle of a verb meaning variously "to summon" or "to invite"...
and Christian-Muslim relations. Ajip Rosidi
Ajip Rosidi
Ajip Rosidi, born on 31 January 1938, in Jatiwangi, Majalengka, West Java, is an Indonesian poet and short story writer. As of 1983 he has published 326 works in 22 different magazines.-Biography:...
and Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah
Hamka
Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah, known as Hamka was a prominent Indonesian author, ulema and politician. His father, syekh Abdul Karim Amrullah, known as Haji Rasul, led and inspired the reform movement in Sumatra upon his arrival from the holy land Mecca in 1906...
have noted that Natsir's writings serve both as historical records and also as guides for future Muslims.
Legacy
In 1980, he received award from King Faisal FoundationKing Faisal Foundation
The King Faisal Foundation was established in 1976 by the sons of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. The Director-General is HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal...
. In academic, he received doctorate honorary degree from Islamic University of Lebanon in 1967 for literature. In 1991, he also received an honourary doctorate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
The National University of Malaysia is a public university located in Bangi, Selangor which is about 35 km south of Kuala Lumpur...
and Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia is a public university with its main campus in Penang, Malaysia. There are three branch campuses: one in mainland Penang , one in Kelantan on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and a offshore collaboration with a university in India...
for Islamic ideas. On 10 November 2008 he was honoured as a national hero of Indonesia.
According to Bruce Lawrence
Bruce Lawrence
Bruce B. Lawrence is the Nancy and Jeffrey Marcus Humanities Professor of Religion at Duke University.-Biography:A graduate of Fay School and Princeton University, with a Master of Divinity from Episcopal Divinity School , he earned his doctorate at Yale University in History of Religions...
, Natsir was "the most prominent politician favoring Islamic reform."
Personal life
He married Nurnahar in Bandung on 20 October 1934. From their marriage, they had six children. Natsir could reportedly speak numerous languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, and Arabic; he was also capable of understanding EsperantoEsperanto
is the most widely spoken constructed international auxiliary language. Its name derives from Doktoro Esperanto , the pseudonym under which L. L. Zamenhof published the first book detailing Esperanto, the Unua Libro, in 1887...
.