The question of whether the Intra-School Student Organization (OSIS) plays a role in strengthening moderate Islam in madrasahs (Islamic schools) can be answered with both yes and no, depending on how the organization is guided. OSIS is the only official student organization in schools, and every school is required to establish one. The purpose of OSIS is to accommodate students’ ideas, creativity, views, interests, and talents, as well as to enhance a spirit of unity among students. Additionally, OSIS serves as a medium for communication and the exchange of ideas and opinions, allowing students to actively support the teaching and learning process at school. Ultimately, OSIS helps broaden students’ horizons, improve their critical thinking, and develop their decision-making skills.

Achieving these goals is not easy, given the diverse religious backgrounds of the students, such as those from NU, Muhammadiyah, MTA, LDII, and others. This is precisely where OSIS‘s role is crucial—to embrace all students and prevent conflict. Religious-based conflicts can affect anyone, whether within the same religious group or between different ones. Typically, this happens when individuals close themselves off from others’ views, feel they are the only ones who are right, and engage in mutual blame.

The rise of radical groups has been a frequent news topic recently. These intolerant radical groups are quick to label others as infidels or their practices as un-Islamic innovations, which creates conflict and hostility even within groups that share a similar faith. These teachings are contrary to the true nature of Islam, which is universal and spreads brotherhood, peace, and tolerance.

The Theological Foundation for Moderation

Quran, Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 107, emphasizes that the Prophet Muhammad was sent as a mercy to all creatures. This mercy is not only for humans but for all beings in the world. The teachings brought by the Prophet, full of peace, justice, and compassion, are meant to bring mercy and guidance to all of humanity. This verse explains the universal nature of the Prophet’s mission, which is not limited by time, place, or specific people, but is for the good of all humankind. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, kindness, and mercy in dealing with others.

The role of various parties, including OSIS, is essential for managing religious life to create peace and harmony in the school environment, which will then extend to society. This can happen when religious life is conducted with respect for different interpretations, a focus on religious moderation, and an avoidance of violence, extremism, and intolerance. This moderate attitude should be applied not only to people of different religions but also to fellow Muslims. An open, inclusive, and tolerant multicultural spirit is what the Indonesian nation needs today.

The term “moderate Islam” is an equivalent of the Arabic phrase “ummatan wasathan” or “al-din al-wasath”. In Surah Al-Baqarah:143, “ummatan wasathan” means a “middle or balanced community.” Moderate Islam, as we commonly understand it, is a type of Islamic thought that rejects the violent methods used by radical Islamic groups. The thought and movement of Islamic moderation are based on at least nine principles: an open Quran, justice, equality, tolerance, liberation, humanity, pluralism, sensitivity, and non-discrimination. These principles are very much in line with Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy (CCRL), which views differences as a natural part of life or sunnatullah and sees them as an asset for collaboration.

Real-World Implementation: The Case of MAN 2 Karanganyar

At the school level, particularly at MAN 2 Karanganyar (State Islamic Senior High School 2 Karanganyar), OSIS has played a significant role in strengthening moderate Islam among its students by organizing activities that embrace all elements of diversity within the school. For example, they hold religious gatherings to commemorate Islamic holidays. These gatherings feature themes that foster unity and togetherness among the students, rather than themes that favor certain groups. This ensures that despite their different religious organizations, students do not develop radical or intolerant attitudes that could damage harmony.

In addition to religious activities, OSIS also organizes social events, such as community service or fundraising for victims of natural disasters. They have helped victims of the recent Mount Semeru and Merapi eruptions. These activities are very useful for enhancing students’ empathy and solidarity with others, without regard for any differences. It is disheartening to see how often conflict occurs within the Muslim community itself, with people insulting each other on social media over minor differences, such as the start of Ramadan or the date of a holiday. These types of behaviors are what we are trying to eliminate, so that there is no feeling of being “most correct” or “most superior” when dealing with others. This is in line with the CCRL principle that we are all brothers who should prioritize peace.

Furthermore, OSIS holds competitive events, such as class meetings, which are typically held after the mid-semester or final semester assessments. These events include competitions like trivia, Quran recitation, class cleanliness, volleyball, and futsal. These activities aim to improve teamwork and collaboration among groups, and to teach students to accept defeat gracefully, to be humble in victory, and to respect the success of others.

The activities organized by OSIS are, of course, dependent on the support of the school administration, especially the stakeholders and teachers who serve as OSIS advisors. Therefore, good cooperation among all parties is essential so that the mission of instilling religious moderation among MAN 2 Karanganyar students can be achieved, ultimately creating a peaceful school environment despite existing differences. We cannot find peace in the outside world until we make peace with ourselves.