Menjana Keharmonian Melalui Jalinan Kerjasama Antara Penganut Beza Agama di Sabah

Abstract

Keharmonian sosial antara agama dan etnik merupakan indikator penting yang berperanan sebagai kayu ukur kepada kesejahteraan insan. Sungguhpun indikator ekonomi adalah prasyarat utama bagi menilai kesejahteraan insan, ia tidak bersifat holistik dalam membina pembangunan harmoni yang lestari. Kepincangan keharmonian yang tidak seimbang dan berat sebelah yang hanya menjurus kepada pencapaian ekonomi ataupun material semata-mata, perlu diimbangi dengan penerapan norma-norma sosial yang dipupuk daripada ikatan kasih sayang, keakraban dan jalinan mesra antara pihak berbeza agama dan etnik. Dalam konteks Malaysia, suasana harmoni begitu menyerlah kerana masyarakatnya berupaya mempamerkan gaya hidup bersama meski berdepan dengan isu perbezaan agama dan etnik. Makalah ini membincangkan amalan dan contoh teladan yang dipraktiskan oleh penganut beza agama di Sabah yang ditonjolkan melalui jalinan kerjasama, iaitu kerjasama untuk mengekalkan hubungan sedia kala dan kerjasama untuk memulihkan semula hubungan tegang kesan daripada konflik keluarga beza agama. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kualitatif bersandarkan reka bentuk analisis kandungan dan kaedah temu bual mendalam bersama informan utama daripada pihak autoriti agama dan individu terlibat dalam konflik keluarga beza agama. Hasil kajian memperlihatkan bahawa pengekalan keharmonian masyarakat Sabah diterjemah melalui kesediaan masyarakatnya hidup bersama yang menatijahkan gaya hidup yang cintakan perdamaian sehingga sebarang konflik yang berlaku ditangani melalui jalan tengah (middle path), bersetuju untuk tidak bersetuju (agree to disagree) dan situasi menang-menang (win-win situation). Kajian ini menyumbang dalam rangka mengetengahkan fungsi agama sebagai penjana keharmonian melalui penerapan nilai-nilai murni melalui amalan kerjasama antara pihak berbeza agama.

Kata kunci: Keharmonian sosial, kesejahteraan insan, norma sosial, jalan tengah, fungsi agama

Abstract

Social harmony among people of different religious and ethnic groups is a significant indication of human well-being. Although economic indicator is a key prerequisite for measuring human well-being, it does not provide a comprehensive picture of how to achieve long-term harmony. The unbalanced and partial or biased harmony that exclusively leads to economic or material gains must be balanced with instilling social norms nurtured from the bonds of love, closeness, and friendly ties amongst people from different religious and ethnic groups. The environment of harmony is particularly strong in Malaysia since the society can demonstrate an easy-going lifestyle despite facing issues of religious and ethnic differences. This paper discusses the examples of cooperation practiced by believers of different religions in Sabah, particularly cooperation to retain existing relationships to mend strained relationships because of interfaith family conflict. This study uses a qualitative method based on content analysis design and in-depth interviews with the key informants from religious authorities and individuals involved in interfaith family conflict. The study’s findings revealed that Sabah’s peaceful coexistence is reflected in people’s willingness to live together, which encourages a peace-loving lifestyle, allowing any problems to be resolved through a middle path, agreeing to disagree and win-win situation. This study contributes to a better understanding of religion’s function as a generator of harmony through the application of noble values and the practice of cooperation across religious groups.

Keywords: Social harmony, human well-being, social norms, middle path, religion’s function

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