"Well, the most important thing about Islam is that we have to differentiate between two kinds of Islam. The first one is the institution of Islam... second, the culture of Islam"

Abdurrahman Wahid, likewise referred to as Gus Dur, was an Indonesian Muslim scholar and the fourth President of Indonesia. In this quote, he highlights the requirement to compare 2 essential elements of Islam: its institutional structure and its cultural manifestations. This difference is essential for understanding the religious beliefs's role and effect in both religious and socio-political contexts.

When Wahid describes the "organization of Islam", he is likely discussing the structured, doctrinal, and frequently legalistic elements of the religion. This includes the formal teachings discovered in the Quran and Hadith, the execution of Sharia (Islamic law), and the organizational structures that govern Islamic neighborhoods, such as mosques and spiritual schools. These elements specify the theological and legalistic borders of Islam, concentrating on belief systems, rituals, and practices meant to be followed by followers.

The "culture of Islam", on the other hand, includes the diverse methods which Islamic beliefs and practices are incorporated into the every day lives of its fans. This aspect is dynamic and varies significantly across various regions and neighborhoods. It includes art, music, language, and social custom-mades that are affected by Islamic teachings but are also colored by local customs and histories. The cultural aspect of Islam is not monolithic; it reflects the diversity of its fans and illustrates how Islam interacts with other cultural identities around the world.

Wahid's difference welcomes a nuanced understanding of Islam, encouraging both Muslims and non-Muslims to view the faith not simply as a set of stiff teachings but as a complicated interplay between official religious tenets and lively cultural practices. By highlighting this duality, Wahid supporters for an appreciation of both the unity and variety within the Islamic world, promoting tolerance and fostering dialogue between various cultural and spiritual groups. This point of view is particularly essential in promoting coexistence and good understanding in significantly multicultural societies.