'Islam accommodates differences'

'Islam accommodates differences'

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued religious edicts
declaring pluralism and liberalism to be unIslamic and thus to be
avoided. It also bans Muslims from attending prayer sessions led
by non-Muslims. What do Jakarta residents think about the edicts?
The Jakarta Post asked some people for their comments.

Ruddy Gobel, 32, a professional working in the field of health
and social issues.

I strongly disagree with the edicts. First of all, Islam is
supposed to be a universal religion that accommodates
differences.

Secondly, edicts or any form of issue that restricts people
should be made according to the current context. Indonesia itself
has long existed with its plurality. Banning pluralism would mean
running away from reality.

I was brought up in a family of mixed religious beliefs. I
learned to respect other beliefs by knowing and sometimes getting
involved in their activities.

Through the process, we develop mutual respect for
differences.

I think the most extreme thoughts develop from a situation
that is not familiar with pluralism.

Alia Sahala, 18, a part-time customer service officer at a
bookstore in Central Jakarta.

Banning pluralism means that they do not respect differences.
And people who do not respect differences end up living in their
own world without recognizing what is going on in the world. They
will end up being narrow-minded and ignorant.

MUI, as a group of religious leaders, could lead people into
this kind of situation and this would be unhealthy for the
nation.

Instead of merely issuing edicts, they should follow it up
with educational efforts to explain the broader view of the
edicts.

--The Jakarta Post