Scholar from Indonesia discusses faith

Oct. 7, 2004
By Phil Lineburg
Staff Writer

Fulbright scholar Ahmad Haris, Ph.D, has been educated in his homeland of Indonesia, and at Temple University in Philadelphia.  Haris has come to the St. Ambrose University campus to answer questions on the Islamic faith, and to give a perspective on similarities and differences between our two cultures. The Fulbright program is called “Direct Access to the Muslim World.”

Haris, 37, earned his undergraduate degree, with a focus on the study of Islamic Law at The State Institute for Islamic Studies, in Jambi, Indonesia.

“In Indonesia, students don't pay per credit hour,” Haris said.   “They pay by the semester, no matter how many classes they take.  The cost per semester is about $30 to $300.”

To put that in perspective, Haris added that incomes and the cost-of-living are much lower than in the United States.  An average Indonesian income would be $1,200 per year.

“Cost to rent a good house would be about $200 per year,” Haris said.

One major difference Dr. Haris made in comparing his experience studying in Indonesia, as compared to the United States, is the lack of books and supplies for schools.

“Libraries need to be expanded with more printed materials," he said.

An expert on Islamic law, Haris points out that the Indonesian court system is much like the United State's civil and criminal court system, with the ability to appeal decisions to a higher court.  One difference is the addition of a religious court.

“The court is for Muslims,” Haris said.  “If you are not Muslim or do not like the decision of the Religious Court, you can go to the Public Court.” 

The Religious Court is much like our civil court system.  It handles issues relating to family law and probate inheritance.  The court is lead by a judge that is not necessarily a religious official.  When courts originated in the 1940s, religious officials decided court cases.

Since arriving in the Quad Cities, Dr. Haris has lectured to many classes on the SAU campus, as well as to the public.  He has also spent time at the Islamic Center in Bettendorf, where over 50 Muslim families from across the Quad Cities meet to practice and learn more about their faith.

Dr. Haris is attempting to establish a longer-term relationship between his institution and St. Ambrose University for programs with students or faculty exchanges.

"I want all of us to have a continuous benefit after I leave this University" Haris said.

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