Religious Affairs Minister Warns of Dangers of Preaching That Instils Hatred

Bengkulu (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar warned of the dangers of preaching that instils hatred towards followers of other religions during a major sermon in Bengkulu. “Many people, consciously or not, when teaching religion, end up instilling hatred towards followers of other religions. If that happens, it certainly does not align with Indonesia’s condition as a highly pluralistic country,” said Nasaruddin Umar during the major sermon in Bengkulu on Friday. He conveyed this at the Major Sermon with the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Nasaruddin Umar, held at the Baitul Izzah Mosque in Bengkulu Province. He emphasised that religious activities should serve as a means to strengthen the unity of the ummah and not to divide society. According to him, religious values must form the foundation for building a harmonious and peaceful life amid Indonesia’s diversity. Indonesia has the character of a composite nation inhabited by various ethnic groups, religions, and cultures, so an approach that prioritises tolerance and mutual respect is certainly important. Furthermore, Nasaruddin Umar on that occasion also emphasised the importance of religious activities as a means to strengthen the unity of the ummah. “Events like this are very important to strengthen unity. Religious values must form the foundation for building a harmonious and peaceful life,” he said. Meanwhile, Bengkulu’s Deputy Governor, Mian, stated that the major sermon event serves as a momentum to strengthen faith while also tightening Islamic brotherhood in society. “We hope that through the presence and sermon of the Minister of Religious Affairs, we all gain enlightenment, strengthening of spiritual values, and motivation to continue contributing to realising a peaceful, tolerant society with noble morals,” said Mian. The major sermon event was attended by hundreds of congregants as well as several members of the Provincial Regional Leadership Coordination Forum of Bengkulu, heads of regional apparatus organisations, and local community figures.