Staying True to Core Values: Lessons on Career and Life from My Steadfast Friend Amran, a Member of Jemaah Tabligh
https://lnkd.in/gZzTNXrf
"Staying True to Core Values: Lessons on Career and Life from My Steadfast Friend Amran, a Member of Jemaah Tabligh":
We reconnect with friends for many reasons—nostalgia, curiosity, or perhaps, to learn what we’ve missed about their journey. For me, reconnecting with "Prof". Amran Siregar wasn’t just about the past; it was a lesson about choices, integrity, and the courage to live by one’s values.
"Prof". Amran was a rising star in Indonesia’s corporate world, a Vice President climbing the state-owned enterprise ladder. Yet, at the height of his career, he faced a truth many of us avoid: advancement often requires compromise. Instead of sacrificing his principles, he chose to walk away.
He turned to values instilled in his childhood—simplicity, honesty, and service—and found purpose in Jemaah Tabligh, a movement focused on personal and communal growth. His choice wasn’t easy, and his outward transformation surprised many, including me. But beneath his traditional attire was the same sharp, rational thinker I’d known, now dedicating himself to others’ spiritual well-being.
What struck me most is not just his journey but how it challenges us to reflect on our own. Are we running the corporate race for goals that truly align with our values? Do we judge people too quickly by appearances or labels?
During our two-hour reunion, we even revisited my article, A Comparative Analysis of Twelve Research Paradigms Across Six Knowledge Acquisitions and Twelve Sources of Knowledge: A Philosophical Discourse ((Tambun, Yudoko, & Aldianto, 2024). This enriched our conversation, blending philosophical inquiry with personal experiences.
Reflecting on this, I applied Edgar Schein’s framework to understand the deeper cultural dynamics of Jemaah Tabligh. It reminded me how looking beyond surface impressions can reveal shared values that connect us all.
Reconnecting with a friend doesn’t just teach us about them—it challenges us to reflect on our own values and choices. Whether we’re climbing the corporate ladder, reflecting on a career well-lived, or charting our first steps, Amran’s journey reminds us that success isn’t just about where we end up—it’s about how well our values guide us along the way.
I recently reconnected with "Prof". Amran Siregar, a dear classmate during my MM study at IPMI - IPMI Institute in the year 2000. Known for his sharp intellect and empirical approach, he climbed the corporate ladder to become a Vice President in one of Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises. However, by 2006, he faced a moral dilemma. To advance further, he realized that compromising his ethical integrity and personal values was inevitable. Instead of succumbing, he made a bold decision: corporate leadership was not his calling.
Prof. Amran revisited the values instilled by his parents during his early childhood—values rooted in simplicity, honesty, and service to others. This exploration led him to join Jemaah Tabligh, a global Islamic movement focused on personal spiritual growth and community engagement. When he retired a few years ago, he fully committed himself to the movement, becoming a full-time member.
What surprised me during our conversation was how his outward appearance—a traditional Islamic robe, skullcap, and long beard—might lead some to stereotype him as a radical or ultra-conservative. But, knowing him, I saw a deeply rational, empirical thinker who used his sharp mind to pursue a pacifist and purpose-driven life. Prof. Amran had not become an ideologue but had chosen to step out of his comfort zone to contribute to others' spiritual well-being.
Then, as he explained his journey, I realized how misunderstood movements like Jemaah Tabligh often are, and how insights from Edgar Schein’s framework can help us move past superficial judgments to appreciate their deeper cultural dynamics. Here, I share what I learned from Prof. Amran about Jemaah Tabligh, analyzed through Schein’s lens of Artifacts, Espoused Values, and Shared Values.
Jemaah Tabligh: A Movement Beyond Appearances
Jemaah Tabligh is a global Islamic missionary movement founded in the early 20th century by Maulana Muhammad Ilyas in India. It emphasizes personal piety (taqwa), strict adherence to Islamic practices, and the peaceful propagation of Islam through dawah (دعوة, invitation or calling). The movement’s grassroots approach encourages Muslims to return to the foundational principles of their faith through personal reformation (islah al-nafs - إصلاح النفس) and community engagement (Masud, 2000; Kuiper, 2018).
The core teachings, often referred to as the “Six Points” (Sittah Usul - ستة أصول), include:
These principles are central to the movement’s call for a practical, action-based approach to faith, rather than engaging in theological debates (jadal - جدل) or philosophical discussions (Sikand, 2002; Kuiper, 2018).
The primary objective of Jemaah Tabligh is to revitalize the Islamic way of life among Muslims, encouraging adherence to the Sunnah (سنة, practices of Prophet Muhammad). It seeks to strengthen individual faith and practice, fostering a transformative impact at the personal level. This approach underscores the importance of peaceful propagation, with members traveling to various regions to reach out to communities (Masud, 2000; Sikand, 2002).
What sets Jemaah Tabligh apart from other Islamic movements is its apolitical stance (al-i'tizal 'an al-siyasa - الاعتزال عن السياسة) and grassroots missionary approach. Unlike groups focused on systemic change or political activism, it emphasizes self-reformation (tazkiyah - تزكية) as the foundation for broader societal transformation. Members often embark on self-funded missionary journeys (khuruj fi sabilillah - خروج في سبيل الله) for specific durations—such as three, forty, or 120 days—to engage directly with communities. These journeys include ghast (غشت, door-to-door invitations) to mosques, fostering inclusivity and unity among Muslims (Masud, 2000; Kuiper, 2018).
While some observers may interpret their traditional attire or missionary focus as rigid or insular, the movement's true distinctiveness lies in its simplicity (basatah - بساطة) and focus on action. By steering clear of political engagement and prioritizing the individual’s spiritual growth, Jemaah Tabligh has established itself as a unique and influential force within the Muslim world, operating across over 150 countries (Masud, 2000; Sikand, 2002).
Critics sometimes argue that its avoidance of political issues overlooks the socio-political dimensions of Islam. Others view its emphasis on personal spirituality as overly simplistic, potentially neglecting broader societal challenges. Nonetheless, Jemaah Tabligh’s peaceful and organized approach continues to resonate with millions, offering a model of grassroots reformation (islah al-mujtama - إصلاح المجتمع) that is both impactful and inclusive (Sikand, 2002).
Navigating Diversity of Thought in Jemaah Tabligh
Jemaah Tabligh addresses skepticism about the afterlife (al-akhirah - الآخرة) with a non-confrontational and experiential methodology, avoiding debates (jadal) or attempts to "prove" doctrines through scientific means. This aligns with its focus on personal transformation (tahawul shakhsiyyah - تحول شخصية) and dawah, where the invitation to Islam is grounded in lived experiences rather than intellectual argumentation (Masud, 2000).
The movement places a strong emphasis on personal faith and experience. Rather than challenging individuals' beliefs head-on, Jemaah Tabligh encourages participation in Islamic practices such as prayer (salah), dhikr, and community life. The underlying belief is that consistent engagement in these practices will naturally foster spiritual conviction (yaqin - يقين), including faith in the unseen (ghayb - غيب) (Masud, 2000).
For those who question the afterlife, the movement highlights the practical benefits of Islamic teachings. The act of prayer, for example, builds personal discipline (riyadhah al-nafs - رياضة النفس), while involvement in community life strengthens family and societal bonds. These practices are shown to bring tangible rewards, such as inner peace (sakinah- سكينة) and moral character development (akhlaq - أخلاق), which transcend theological differences (Masud, 2000; Sikand, 2002).
Jemaah Tabligh avoids confrontational approaches when encountering diverse viewpoints. It refrains from engaging in jadal or philosophical debates, choosing instead to model Islamic values through action and interaction. Invitations to participate in gatherings are offered in a supportive environment, allowing individuals to explore Islamic teachings without pressure (Masud, 2000).
The movement also appeals to shared values that resonate across belief systems. Ethical living (hayat akhlaqiyyah - حياة أخلاقية), responsibility toward others (mas'uliyyah - مسؤولية), and personal accountability (muhasabah - محاسبة) are principles that transcend religious boundaries. These values provide common ground for dialogue, encouraging mutual understanding and respect (Metcalf, 1993).
Beyond addressing general skepticism, Jemaah Tabligh’s methodology also offers insights into engaging with those who question specific doctrines, such as the afterlife. This approach becomes particularly relevant in addressing ethical and social challenges in contemporary contexts.
Expanded Discussion: Engaging with Those Who Question the Afterlife
Jemaah Tabligh's approach to skepticism about the afterlife offers valuable insights into engaging with individuals who may not subscribe to such beliefs. This is particularly relevant in contexts where appeals to afterlife punishment or reward fail to resonate, such as among individuals disillusioned with religious hypocrisy or corruption. For example, in many high-profile corruption cases, religious figures may face limited earthly punishment, undermining their moral credibility and highlighting the need for alternative approaches to inspire ethical behavior.
The movement relies on a non-confrontational and experiential methodology to address these challenges:
By prioritizing practical outcomes and shared values, Jemaah Tabligh offers a pathway to engage with diverse audiences, including those who are skeptical of traditional religious tenets like the afterlife. This approach reflects the movement's broader commitment to inclusivity and gradual personal transformation.
Based on the above, I could understand why "Prof". Amran refrain my further questions on after-life when I proposed him my article Plato’s Myth of Hades and Its Influence on the Concept of the Sheol: Personal Reflection (Tambun, 2024)
This inclusive and experiential approach to engaging with diverse beliefs not only defines Jemaah Tabligh’s outreach but also provides a foundation for understanding its deeper cultural dynamics through Edgar Schein’s lens.
Understanding Jemaah Tabligh Through Edgar Schein’s Framework
Edgar Schein's framework for organizational culture offers a powerful lens for dissecting and understanding the dynamics of any group, including movements like Jemaah Tabligh. By examining Artifacts, Espoused Values, and Basic Underlying Assumptions (Shared Values), this model provides a structured way to move beyond surface impressions to the deeper cultural forces that drive behavior (Schein, 2017).
Artifacts
Artifacts are the visible and tangible elements of Jemaah Tabligh’s culture—what outsiders can observe directly (Masud, 2000; Janson, 2014). These include:
While these artifacts are easily visible, they often lead to misconceptions. For instance, the traditional attire or missionary focus might be misinterpreted as rigidity or radicalism, whereas they actually reflect devotion, humility, and a deep sense of purpose (Kuiper, 2018; Sikand, 2002).
Espoused Values
Espoused values articulate Jemaah Tabligh’s principles and goals, providing clarity on what the movement strives to achieve (Masud, 2000). These include:
These stated values guide the movement’s practices and serve as its declared ethos.
Shared Values (Basic Underlying Assumptions)
Shared values, or basic underlying assumptions, are the unspoken, deeply held beliefs that drive members’ actions, often unconsciously (Schein, 2017; Masud, 2000). These include:
These shared assumptions form the foundation of Jemaah Tabligh’s culture, guiding behavior and providing cohesion among members.
Moving Beyond the Surface
Schein’s framework reveals the depth of Jemaah Tabligh’s cultural fabric. While artifacts such as attire or missionary practices are immediately noticeable, they represent only the surface of a much deeper structure. Espoused values clarify the movement’s intentions, but it is the shared values—those deeply ingrained, often unspoken assumptions—that truly drive and sustain its mission (Schein, 2017; Masud, 2000).
In analyzing Jemaah Tabligh, this structured approach illustrates the importance of looking beyond what is visible or stated. It encourages us to seek the "why" behind the "what"—to focus on the shared human values that connect us, even in the diversity of our beliefs and practices.
Key Takeaways
Beware of Stereotypes Based on Appearance:
Prof. Amran’s story highlights how outward symbols, like traditional attire, can lead to misleading assumptions. True understanding requires delving into a person’s values and motivations.
Integrity Over Ambition:
Prof. Amran’s choice to leave a promising corporate career underscores the power of aligning decisions with ethical principles and personal values, even at great professional cost.
What Jemaah Tabligh Reflects:
The movement emphasizes simplicity, spirituality, and community engagement. It focuses on personal reformation and practical faith practices, fostering a sense of purpose and commitment among its members.
Schein’s Framework Reveals the “Why” Beneath the “What”:
Edgar Schein’s organizational culture model uncovers the shared values and assumptions that sustain movements like Jemaah Tabligh, helping to see beyond visible artifacts and stated goals.
Conclusion
Prof. Amran’s journey and commitment to Jemaah Tabligh challenge us to rethink assumptions and seek deeper understanding of cultural dynamics. By applying Edgar Schein’s framework, we can move beyond surface impressions to uncover the values and beliefs that connect people across divides. This perspective is not only relevant to analyzing religious movements but also invaluable in fostering empathy and collaboration in diverse organizational and societal contexts.
References
“Tks Mas Toro.. Your article inspires me 👍🙏🙏” from a rector Prof. D.P.P
“Thanks Pak Toro. Very interesting perspective 🙏🏼” from an IPMI alumni Y.W
“thanks for sharing...” from an anthropologist Prof H-A.P
“So impressive mas, very humble and lots of experience.” From a fellow harvardian, Prof. N. B.S
“Thank you. Inspiring reading” from a fellow GMP’er HCI K.A