Misguided sects sprout in C. Java

Misguided sects sprout in C. Java

SEMARANG: Highly active misguided sects have become a new headache for local Moslem ulemas.

Officials of the local chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) have been closely watching the activities of several sects that have stirred unrest in some regencies.

"The emergence of misguided sects is worrying. The council will have to take a prompt action to disband them," local council chief Sahal Mahfudh said yesterday.

One sect, he said, has encouraged an "exclusive way of life" that may provoke social envy and undermine the nation's integrity.

A follower of another sect will soon marry the woman who has become his wali, or someone who acts as his parent, which is strictly forbidden in Islam, Antara reported him as saying. (pan)