Religious minister rebukes Ahmadiyah

Religious minister rebukes Ahmadiyah

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Minister of Religious Affairs M. Maftuh Basyuni warned Ahmadiyah followers on Friday not to call themselves Muslim since their beliefs contradict Islamic teachings.

Contrary to mainstream Muslims, Ahmadiyah believes that its founder Mirza Gulam Ahmad is another prophet like Muhammad.

"Islam only believes in one God, Allah, and there is no prophet after Muhammad. Ahmadiyah recognizes Gulam Ahmad as well as Muhammad; it's not right," Maftuh said during his visit to Kendari.

He told Ahmadiyah to scrap their belief in Gulam, otherwise they should not call themselves Muslim.

The government, the minister said, does not recognize Ahmadiyah teachings and considers them heretical.

"As religious people, we wish to persuade the Ahmadis that their faith is not in line with Islam."

However, he admitted that banning the group will not solve the problem. "The problem is settled if nobody wants to believe the teachings." --Antara