The Potentials Of Islamic Values And Cultural Practices In ASEAN

The ASCC reflects ASEAN 's social agenda of poverty eradication and human development, which also addresses the cultural and civilizational cohesions in ASEAN (ASEAN, 2014). Success of such integration depends on the level of cooperation among the diverse cultural groups in ASEAN. The inspiration of specific religio-cultural norms and practices often dictates the inter-cultural cooperation. Islam as the most widely practiced religion in ASEAN inspires the success of ASCC. This paper provides an analysis of the potentials of Islamic values and cultural practices in ASEAN countries to materialize the ASCC. Since the focus of the ASCC is to realize the ASEAN community, it is important to assess the strategic objectives of the ASCC Blueprint and …show more content…
In addressing these imperatives the religo-cultural considerations count greater significance. Since, Islamic norms, the values directed by the holy Quran, dictate the everyday actions of its believers (Muslims) - it tends to craft greater implication in both the private and public life of Muslims. Importantly, the followers of Islam constantly assess and validate the public policies with the norms of Islam as a religious requirement. Thus, the participation of Muslims in the realization of ASCC would be encouraged if ASCC programs match or at least not contradict with the normative guidelines of …show more content…
Since the integral focus of the ASCC is to realize the ASEAN community- it is important to link and assess whether the public norms of Islam; such as direction for cooperation, coexistence, and dialogue; inspire the strategic objectives of ASCC Blueprint. The emergence of the unique ASEAN identity doesn’t negate or contradict the cultural practices of Islam. This paper signifies, first, by providing an analysis of the ASCC process and locating the critical role of Islam in the process, second, by showcasing inter-connectivity of the actions of Islamic believers and its mandatory normative guideline for nurturing the human, cultural and natural resources for sustained development and harmonious living, which is an essential feature of the realization of ASCC, and finally, by illustrating the positions of Islamic norms in building a caring and sharing ASEAN Community. The realization of ASCC would achieve enduring solidarity and unity among ASEAN people, which requires pro-active participation of the Muslims. Finally, an analytical discussion addresses the challenges towards utilizing the potentials of Islam in realizing