MUI condemns attacks on U.S. and its planned strike on Afghanistan

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top Islamic authority condemned on Tuesday the terrorist attacks on the United States while, at the same time, strongly denouncing what it termed the arrogance of America for its planned aggression on Afghanistan.

The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) called on Muslims all over the world to wage a jihad "should the U.S. and its allies go ahead with their planned aggression toward Afghanistan."

The council said it strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in which hijacked aircraft were slammed into the World Trade Center twin towers in New York and the Pentagon, claiming thousands of lives.

"We extend our deep condolences to the bereaved families, with the hope that they can be resolute in facing this tragedy," said Council Secretary General Din Syamsuddin at a media conference here on Tuesday.

He said the attacks on the U.S. were in violation of Islamic values that underlined the need to forge love among human beings, and stressed humanity and peace.

However, Din was quick to say that aggression toward Afghanistan could be seen as hostility and hatred against Islam and Muslims, and as injustice, terrorism and a new form of imperialism.

"Therefore, we call on the U.S. government to reflect on the injustices it has been responsible for and the double standards it has adopted, especially the violations against human rights that have affected the Muslim community," he said.

The council also urged the United Nations not to tolerate aggression by any country against any another "because it is in contradiction with the principles the UN has embraced."

"So, we call on Muslims in the world for jihad fii sabilillah (fight in the path of Allah) should aggression by the U.S. and its allies against Afghanistan and the Islamic world occur. We urge the government of Islamic countries, the Arabic states in particular, to adhere to izzul Islam wal muslimin (the glory of Islam and its followers) and avoid being trapped into supporting the subjective interests of the U.S.," he said.

Also present at the meeting were MUI chairman H. Amidhan and officials of 32 Islamic organizations, including Muhammadyah and an organization under the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).

The council urged the Indonesian government not to be persuaded by the U.S. to support the planned aggression in any form, political or moral, which included not allowing Indonesian territory or airspace to be used by the U.S. armada or by its military airplanes.

It also strongly criticized the threats, searches and intimidation by hardline groups against Americans living in Indonesia, saying that such actions would only tarnish the image of Islam.

When asked if a "jihad" meant an armed conflict against the West, Din said, "No, fighting in the name of Allah can mean many things." (tso)