Existence of STM in Building Interreligious Harmony in the Residential Environment of Parsaoran

Abstract

The Serikat Tolong Menolong (STM) is a social association or organization that aims to assist others. This is in line with the principle of ta'awun from the Islamic perspective, which entails assisting fellow human beings without distinguishing their ethnicity, customs, or culture. The purpose of this paper is to explain the presence of the Mutual Assistance Society (STM) in fostering religious harmony within Pesona Parsaoran Residence based on the principle of ta'awun. This research adopts a qualitative phenomenological approach. Data was collected through direct observation and interviews with the chairman of the Mutual Assistance Society (STM) in Pesona Parsaoran Residence and several religious figures from Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. The findings of the research indicate that the presence of the STM in Pesona Parsaoran Residence significantly contributes to building religious harmony within the community. The principle of mutual assistance that underlies the establishment of the Mutual Assistance Society (STM) aligns with the concept of ta'awun from the Islamic perspective, which emphasizes the importance of humans helping and supporting one another despite their different beliefs. Some forms of activities carried out by the STM include assisting neighbors in times of bereavement, and natural disasters, as well as helping neighbors in times of joy such as birthdays, weddings, religious gatherings, and more.