TPM's use of word Muslim

TPM's use of word Muslim

From Koran Tempo

The decision made by a number of lawyers who call themselves the Muslim Lawyers Team (TPM) to defend suspected terrorists is controversial.

This is due to a number of reasons:

* The team is defending fellow Muslims, whose acts are condemned by Muslims in general. Therefore, to use the term "Muslim Lawyers" will hurt the feelings of Muslim people in general.

* The appearance of TPM has proved that there are lawyers who work unprofessionally because they adopt a policy that prioritizes ism and interests. Lawyers should advocate regardless of tribal, racial or religious backgrounds. TPM has clearly shown that it has based its approach on a certain characteristic -- being Muslim.

* By naming itself TPM, the team has unwittingly sent out a message suggesting that the perpetrators of terrorism are Muslims. This will discredit Islam as a religion that brings peace.

* Despite the fact that the suspects claimed what they did was based on their belief, their claim has not necessarily been accepted by Muslims in general. Therefore, the use of the term, "Muslim", which is universally acknowledged by Muslims, cannot be monopolized by a certain group or society alone, much less if the group does not represent the majority.

Consequently, by using "Muslim" in TPM it can be inferred it has deliberately tried to created disorder among Muslims.

For all these reasons, the defenders of the suspects have no legitimacy at all in using the term "Muslim" in the name of the team. They cannot be justified in using the word "Muslim" for any action that would harm Islam.

DONALD PANJAITAN, Tangerang, Banten