Ulemas urged to fight fanaticism

Ulemas urged to fight fanaticism

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that
Ulemas can reduce fanaticism among people by teaching them about
Islam completely and correctly.

It is important to learn a religion completely and correctly
because, usually, fanaticism is in the mind of those who studied
and learned a religion only partially.

"Fanaticism is a narrow-minded attitude, and those who have it
always claim to be right and say others are wrong. This is very
dangerous," he said in a meeting with ulemas on Wednesday.

The meeting held at the City Hall was meant to develop
communication between the administration and Ulemas before
Ramadhan. Jakarta Military Chief, Maj.Gen Wiranto, and the City
Police Chief, Maj.Gen. Dibyo Widodo attended the meeting.

The governor also said that there was an indication that
fanatics use religious meetings to denounce people of other
religions. "Therefore, I urge ulemas to guide Moslems to a better
understanding of Islam," he said.(yns)