THE DIALECTIC OF CULTURE AND ISLAM WITHIN NAHDLATUL ULAMA PARADIGM

This study determines the dialectic of culture and Islam within Nahdlatul Ulama paradigm. NU as religious and public organization emphasize on culture as the foundation as well as the development model of Islam. Local culture that developed in the community is accommodated. Dialogical aspect of the teachings of Islam and the culture as a reconciliation process is maintained. Islam that has local vision and highly appreciates the traditions is being NU concern. Thus, NU does not differentiate between Islamic teachings and culture, but bringing them together. In the formation of laws, NU also sets culture as the base of epistemology. In NU view, the transformation of fiqh (lslamic jurisprudence) is still base on culture. Therefore, the concept of balance and moderation between law and culture are always being a principle. This context shows that Islamic law in Indonesia is always dialectic with cultures that live and thriving in the community.