Minister makes silly statement

Minister makes silly statement

From Republika

Some TV stations quoted the Minister of Religious Affairs as saying that waging a jihad to help the Iraqi people was a silly act because the war in Iraq is not a war being waged against religion. According to him, a fighter who died in the war would die a useless death.

This is a really silly perception of jihad. Islam says that defending the weak against a tyrant can be categorized as martyrdom -- a death that guarantees the person making the sacrifice immediate admission to heaven. Islam also teaches that a Muslim who dies from defending his wealth and a mother who dies as a result of delivery can also be categorized as martyrs. However, a perfect martyr is one who dies while defending Islam.

Therefore, helping Muslims against the atrocities of the U.S. and its allies is considered a noble deed. May those who have died in the war become martyrs and rest by His side, and not be mocked for their nobility.

One who might be considered really silly dug up a site of high cultural value after hearing that treasure may have been hidden there.

SYARIPUDIN, Bandung