It could be that the expression has undergone such degradation of meaning. But it is also not impossible if the phrase itself does appear in certain political settings and political interests. Just like the concept of Khilafah Islamiyah emerged at the end of the Abbasid era or Daulah Islamiyah published after the Muslims suffered the defeat of the Ottoman Turks in the early 20th century. Just like ukhuwah Islamiyah, which gained theological legitimacy as an exclusive spirit generator, the last two expressions and concepts even then until now firmly believed to be the truth of the Islamic state.
It is not an exaggeration; in fact, ukhuwah Islamiyah, as stated by Kiai Wahab at the beginning of this paper, is very relevant when the barriers of human life today are becoming increasingly thin, and boundaries are boundaries crossed. Plural life and the strengthening of multicultural realities in all geographic areas challenge Islam – and we Muslims – to answer conceptual and practical economic and political issues and interact more humanely. The way Muslims associate with the dimensions of grace for the sake of humans and humanity as understood from the ukhuwah Islamiyah above is a must if Islam is desired to continue to exist as a mercy lil alamin.
Multiculturalism and pluralism are indeed considered to threaten, tear, and diminish the purity and authenticity of Islam, at least by some Muslims. But, for the sake of righteousness and authenticity that is entirely imaginary, do we sacrifice grace, including by maintaining ukhuwah Islamiyah as an exclusive spirit generator and calling for it every time? We should reflect on the interpretation and thesis of Kiai Wahab.
ilustration: radar kudus.