Hadith

One hadith says there are two groups in society. If these two groups are in harmony, humankind will live in harmony and prosperity. On the contrary, if they are enemies, humankind will suffer. The two groups are the umaro (the people in power) and the ulema.

Recently some 150 ulema went to the state palace to pay a courtesy call on the umaro. The two groups were apparently in harmony and unity.

Strangely, not long afterwards, people in Pekalongan became hostile with each other. They were far from living in harmony.

A question has arisen among people, especially the Moslems in Indonesia, as to what is wrong, the hadith or the people, who have so far probably seen themselves as correct.

What is clear is that a hadith is never wrong, the experts say, so that it is man, himself, who is probably not correct, the umaro as well as the ulema.

Umaro may be incorrect if they do not behave like Moslems in their daily task to uphold truth and to prevent crimes.

Ulema may be incorrect if they do not function any longer as heirs of the behavior of the prophets in upholding justice on Earth.

Let this matter be a point for us all to ponder.

H. IFRODI SUKANTO

Jakarta