What's wrong with Gus Dur<\/p>\n
Most western observers acknowledge that Islam in Indonesia is
\na little bit different from that in other countries. Compared to
\nMiddle Eastern countries or in South Asia, Islam in Indonesia
\nlooks very calm and tolerant. However, Indonesian Moslems are
\nquite sensitive. Although they look tolerant, when their
\nreligious principles are insulted their emotions are
\nspontaneously aroused. Indonesian Moslems protesting against the
\nweekly tabloid Monitor, and against the wrong usage of the word
\nAssalamu 'alaikum by an artist is still fresh in many people's
\nminds.<\/p>\n
Controversial Abdurrahman Wahid's visit to Jordan to witness
\nthe signing of peace agreement between Israel and Jordan has
\nignited the emotions of Indonesian Moslems. In a noisy rally at
\nthe Al-Azhar Grand Mosque, the Moslem youths described Gus Dur as
\n\"agent of Zionism.\"<\/p>\n
Two questions must be answered. First, what encouraged Gus Dur
\nto accept Israel's invitation? Second, are Moslems, including the
\nulemas, right in protesting and condemning Gus Dur's visit to
\nIsrael? The answer to these questions is by no means easy. I
\nwould like to comment on this.<\/p>\n
In the first place, Gus Dur is not stupid. He is brilliant, so
\nhe knows what he's doing. His commitment to Islam is absolute.
\nWhat he has done is in the interest of Moslems and nation. He
\ndoes not crave a position. He is also very concerned about the
\nfate of unfortunate people. From all this I conclude that there
\nmay be a blessing in disguise in his accepting Israel's
\ninvitation. No one knows why Gus Dur visited Israel.<\/p>\n
I think Moslems should try to tolerate and understand other
\npeople's thoughts and not hastily condemn or blame them for doing
\notherwise. I'd like to remind my fellow Moslems of the holy
\ndoctrine: Differences of opinions among our ummat is God's
\nblessing.<\/p>\n
BASRI<\/p>\n
Denpasar, Bali<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/whats-wrong-with-gus-dur-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }