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

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)