Indonesian Muslims against “Islamic heresies”
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Indonesia’s two largest Muslim organisations have decided to join 45 other groups against an Islamic sect they deem “heretical”. The first one is the traditionally moderate Nahdatul Ulama, which has called on the government to take “stern action” against the al-Qiyadah sect, banning it because its views deviate from mainstream Islam, most notably its view that Hajj, fasting and the five daily prayers are not compulsory as well as its expectations that a new prophet shall appear after Muhammad. Muhammadiyah, the other major Indonesian Muslim organisation, has for its part urged al-Qiyadiah to become a new religion rather than “manipulate Muslim symbols.”
The campaign against the sect began earlier this month when the Indonesian Ulema Council released a statement calling al-Qidayah a “heretical” entity, and urging the government in Jakarta to take steps to make it illegal.
The Attorney General’s Office, which has the only authority to dismantle any illegal group in Indonesia, did not take any official action, at least for the time being
In the wake of the Ulema Council’s statement the sect was attacked around the country, including in West Sumatra and West Java.
According to the Islamic Society Forum, al-Qiyadah has a “secret agenda” to divide the Muslim community.
Under strong pressures from Muslim circles and public opinion, the police is trying to apprehend the sect’s leader, Ahmad Moshaddeq.
In East Java province, police is also tracking down al-Qiyadah members from two villages in Jombang Regency.
However, other Indonesians have criticised the police arguing that they are interfering in matters of religion. Some have also complained that human rights have been violated in the case of al-Qiyadah.
According to the director of the Pusaka Inter-Community Study Center, a West-Sumatra NGO promoting pluralism, the police and the Ulema Council should avoid such measures and try instead a “personal approach” through “dialogue” to solve the issue.
“Passing judgment on a heretical movement and then attack it is against the constitution,” he said.
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