Harmony in Diversity

Abstract

Harmony, a word which is pleasant to hear, whoever says it, and whatever his/her religion is. In the midst of widespread diction that contains the meaning of violence, hatred and arrogance, the presence of word harmony becomes a kind of oasis. It is not only a concept, as well as praxis. It is an episteme, as well as a guideline. It is an ongoing process. It has a position, like fi'il mudlari' in Arabic, which refers to the present and future. So, it is not a result, but a process, namely harmonization. It must be pursued continuously. In harmony, there is a meaning of difference, and difference is precisely the prerequisite for harmony. There is no harmony without difference. It is like making vegetable soup. It will taste good if it is seasoned with salt, garlic, candlenuts, shallots, basil leaves, and others. The combination of different spices with the right dose, supported by the heat of the fire and enough water to produce delicious soup is a description of harmony. The difference is a nature and a blessing. Its presence is inevitable. Humans were created with various ethnic backgrounds religions and skin colors to get to know each other. Knowing does not only mean knowing, but deeper than that, namely, there is an attitude, behavior, tolerance, and empathy. Therefore, the important thing that must be considered in living together is our contribution to the sustainability of human civilization.