Millennial Generation Interested in Religious Books

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Postgraduate program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and Puspidep Yogyakarta conducted a dissemination of research results at Hotel Gren Alia, Jakarta on Wednesday (10/1). They conducted research on Millennial Generation Islamic Literature.

PPIM researcher UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Jamhari Ma’ruf said, statistically Islamic religious books are quite high in demand by the millennial generation. In fact, in 2015 religious books were more in demand than novels.

“The typical millennial generation, in 1998 experienced a change of order, so we wanted to see what books were actually being read by the millennial generation,” said Prof. Jamhari to Republika at the Gren Alia Hotel, Wednesday (10/1).

He explained that after conducting research, it was found that many books read by the millennial generation were written by people with radical views. So, conditions like this must be a common concern. This condition is known based on the results of research in 16 cities.

He explained that radical books such as books about jihad were written by Abdullah Azzam and translated. Then, books about the caliphate were sponsored by Hizbut Tahrir. This basically would disturb the social and political constellation If these books were the idea of ​​young people in Indonesia.

“For example, there was the concept of continuous jihad, continuous war between Muslims and non-Muslims. if it was understood and believed by Muslims in Indonesia, it would be dangerous,” he said.

Prof. Jamhari revealed that there were many factors that underlay the millennial generation to enjoy reading books with radical content. First, it just happened that radicals could pack their books well. Therefore, they could attract the attention of the millennial generation.

He continued, secondly, the millennial generation wanted to get instant books. If the millennial generation wanted something, they wanted to get it right away. If this condition was not anticipated, it would have a tremendous impact on future generations.

“If they believed in the idea of ​​jihad, it was dangerous, considering non-Muslim brothers in Indonesia as enemies, it would also endanger diversity in Indonesia,” he said.

Regarding the radical definition, according to him, people did not give room to differences, so people who differ from their views were considered as wrong people and must be fought. This was the measure of someone called the least radical. The most radical radicals legalized the blood of non-Muslims and carried out acts of terrorism.