Thousands of Indonesian Muslims call for Ahmadiyah to be banned

The Associated Press ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 04/20/2008 7:12 PM  |  National

Several thousand Islamic hard-liners protested Sunday in Indonesia's capital, calling for the banning of a Muslim sect they consider heretical.

A crowd of white-clad woman, children and men chanted, "Disband Ahmadiyah!" at the downtown National Monument. Police estimated about 3,000 people participated in the noisy, but peaceful demonstration.

Ahmadiyah was founded at the end of the 19th century in Pakistan, where it is banned, and conservative Muslims claim it was devised by British colonialists to divide Muslims.

The protest came days after a team of prosecutors, religious scholars and government officials said the sect "had deviated from Islamic principles" and recommended Wednesday that it be outlawed.

Ahmadiyah, believed to have 200,000 followers in predominantly Muslim Indonesia, has also faced persecution in other Muslim countries. Its followers insist it should be considered part of Islam.

Cholil Ridwan, a cleric, told the crowd at the National Monument that Ahmadiyah recognizes an Indian prophet, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, in addition to Prophet Muhammad. He urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to disband the group.

"We call on the government to seize their assets and ask all followers and members to disband and to return to Islam," he said.

Ahmadiyah spokesman Syamsir Ali said the group will resist attempts to break it up.

The government should not get involved in religious matters and the president should not bend to "the demands of anarchists who merely want to turn this country into a Shariah state," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview, referring to a country governed by Islamic law.

Indonesia is a secular country, with a long history of religious tolerance. But in recent years, a hard-line fringe has grown louder and the government -- which relies on the support of Islamic parties at the House of Representatives -- has been accused of caving to it. (****)

Comments (14)  |   Post comment
A  |   A  |   A  |   Mail to a friend  |  Printer Friendly Version |  Digg it!  |  Add to Del.icio.us!  |  Add to Reddit!  |  Stumble it!   |  Share on facebook  

Marc Köberlein (not verified) — Tue, 08/26/2008 - 2:31pm

What´s the point about banning Ahmadiyah?
What the gouverment want to do with Ahmadiyah-followers after banning the organization? Putting them in jail for their belief? Re-educate them with force?

Even if they, as some people claim, "hijack" the traditional islam, to persuade people to follow their (in terms of of some people maybe wrong) way, they still have the right to do so.

No one, is forced to believe, what Ahmadiyah is teaching. Let the people decide themselve, even if they decide (in your opinion) wrong.

And: If the belief of the Ahmadiyh Group is endangering the peace and order in the indonesian muslim community, because some groups even use violence to express their feelings, then may someone should think about banning the violent group, rather than the attacked.
The violent group is endaring the peace, because they are intolerant and can´t accept the believe of other people.
Is their own believe that weak, that its always in jeopardy, just because other people, think/believe different?

Sledet (not verified) — Tue, 08/26/2008 - 7:48am

I think the problem is that Ahmadi still call themselves Muslim eventhough they do not believe that Prophet Muhammad is the last prophet. This fact created the resentment on the Muslim part.

Muslim also believe in Jesus as a prophet, but then there was another prophet they believe in, Muhammad SAW, therefore they did not call themselves Christian/Catholic. So perhaps, Ahmadi should call their belief under different name.

Islam is a very tolerant religion. Just do not step on its very core of the belief that Prophet Muhammad SAW is the last prophet.

John wilfred (not verified) — Thu, 08/07/2008 - 3:21pm

who can pretend to know the truth?
if you ban one religious line then ban all religions .

Ryan (not verified) — Fri, 08/01/2008 - 3:48pm

What a sad state of Intolerance has descended upon Indonesia

"legitimate faiths" Who do these people think they are to decide what is a legitimate faith or not. As for "traditional Muslim organizations,ie NU and Muhammadiyya being moderate" thats supposed to be a joke right?

So pathetic, Indonesia has children dying of starvation yet thousands of the intolerant, short sighted people think it's more important to protest over what someone else believes in or not. The country should be ashamed of itself as should the government for letting these "people" imtimidate others in a supposed democratic republic.

Ning (not verified) — Tue, 06/10/2008 - 12:02pm

The ahmadis may believe as they wish, worship as they wish, they may claim themselves as muslims.
But they have no right to force other muslims to accept them as muslims too.

Its not only ulama who think that they are outside the fold of Islam, even ordinary muslims with proper faith and knowledge will believe so.

Said farid (not verified) — Sat, 06/07/2008 - 7:15pm

assalamualikum,
to all of you who do not understand the situation let me clue u in... bear in mind that i am not part of the anarchist group or the ahmadiyah group....
first of all i would like to say that these anarchist have the right intentions with the wrong actions, because before the end of days there will be lots of people claiming to be the next prophet and lots of fitna. so stopping this group in my perspective is the right way, but with out any violence.
there is only one (that i believe) and that is Imaam Mahdi (look it up) where he will lead us to war with the Dajjal.

it is not in my intentions to be violent, but we must protect the religion of Allah SWT.

there was a story of Saidinah Abu Bakar:

After the passing of Nabi Muhammad SAW., Saidinah Abu Bakar questioned Siti Aisha (wife of Nabi Muhammad SAW., and daughter of Saidinah Abu Bakar). "Aisha, what tasks have i not made my daily activities that your husband, Rasullullah, have done". She replied, "father, there is only one activity that you have not done yet?"..."What's that ya Aisha?" he asked. "Feeding a blind man in the market." she replies.
So then Saidinah Abu Bakar went to the market to find a blind man. he then comes across a blind jewish man who was preaching to people not to believe Muhammad's lies;that he is a fake and he will lead you nowhere. Saidinah Abu Bakar sat next to him and fed him food. the blind man grabbed his hand, and said "you are not the one who usually feeds me." "How do you know?"asks Saidinah Abu Bakar. "the one who feeds me usually chews the food first so it will be easier for me to eat. Who are you?"
Saidinah Abu Bakar replies, "i am Abu Bakar." so then the blind man askes him again, "Who is the person who usually feeds me and where has he gone?"
With tears in Saidinah Abu Bakar's eyes he answered, "the person who fed you before, has passed away. His name was Muhammad"
Confused,the blind jewish person asks,"Muhammad who?"
"Rasullullah SAW." Saidinah Abu Bakar replies.
The blind man cried, and immediately confessed his sins and joined Islam.

What im trying to say is, even with enemies, Rasullullah SAW. still respected everyone with high manners. so why can't we?

if i have interpretted differently please forgive me.

Assalammualikum.

The Reader (not verified) — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 8:54am

As far as I know Ahmadi's do not deny the prophet Muhammad, they just have an added prophet, so I don't think the analogy that they are like catholics who deny the saints existence.
I also don't understand why violence must be the answer to these problems. These issues should be resolved with dialogue.

latif (not verified) — Wed, 05/28/2008 - 5:52pm

Bismilahirrahmanirrahiim.
There are some radical Ulama' said that Ahmadiyah is not islam. They are really wrong, misguide people, Ahmadiyah is 100% islami according to Al quran's definition as follows;

1.And this was the Legacy that Ibrahim left to his sons, and so did Ya'qub; "O my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the state of submission (to Allah).QS.2:132

2. Verily, this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other).QS.21:92

3.Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Ibrahim the true in faith? For Allah did take Ibrahim for a friend.QS.4:125.

So ALLAH said above that Ahmadiyah is a pure islam.

Accusation from Radical Ulama' is wrong, misguide people.
May ALLAH bless Ahmadiyah dan Indonesia.

Let we stand together for peaceful country,none discrimination, justice for all and prosperity.

can we do that?
yes we can
yes we can
yes we can

Sincerely your
Latif, USA.

Tahir Iqbal (not verified) — Wed, 05/14/2008 - 12:13am

To those who are demanding ban on Ahmadiyya Community:

Remember that Allah has established a principal:
"To every action, there is a reaction".

Every time there has been a satanic effort against Ahmadiya movement, Allah's reaction came into action and Allah blessed the community many folds. Any one can research past little over 100 years of history of Ahmadiyya movment in Islam which is very well documented by both Ahmadiyya and opponent historians. Just to quote couple few examples:
1. In the times of Promised Messiah Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (AS), who under blessing and guidance of Allah rose from a tiny village of India in late 19th century, the so-clled ulema of that time tried all teir evil designs but could not cause a smallest dent in the will and decree of Allah and that single person, whose very name is "Humble servant of Ahmad" (Ghulam AHmad) was blessed with a Jamaat. His only message and mission was to revive true Islam as taught by Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW).
2. Institute of Khilafat (Caliphate) was established in Ahmadiyya movement in 1908 under the divine blessings and prophecies and this year the community is celebrating 100th Anniversary to thank Allah for His continued blessings. In these 100 years, the community has shown how humanity can live peacefully under one Caliph (Khalifa of Allah) coming from different religious, ethnic, geographical backgrounds with varying cultures and different languages.
3. What Indonesian Ulema are trying to do now has been repeatdly tried specially in Paksitan in 1953, 1974 and 1980 only to activate Allah's blessings on the community and today Alhamdo Lillah in about 190 countries Ahmadiyya community is established with millions of believers. Our haerts bow beofre Allah for His blessings.
4. Ahamdiyya community is only working with the support of Allah to establish "deen of Islam" in its purest form as was taught by Holy Prophet himself and whom every Ahmadi believes to to Seal of Propehthood (Khatum al Ambia). And thus, Allah's blessings and support is with the community.
5. Mighty Kingdoms with all their money and political powers have tried to "destroy" Ahmadiyya, but those who tried saw wrath of Allah and those nations have seen Allah's curse descending upon them. Therefore, have fear of Allah and save your beautiful country and your innocent people before Allah's reaction comes into action for the heinous crimes of few in His name against His innocent jamaat called Ahmadiyya.
May Allah give wisdom to those who are bent upon destroyin peace in Indonesia, Ameen!
Tahir Iqbal
Chicago, USA

Laiq Ahmad- Australia (not verified) — Mon, 05/12/2008 - 5:34am

Quran says,"There is no compulsion in religion". Human beings can not be forced to accept or reject religious notions, beliefs & practices. Muslims need to show tolerance towards all human beings regardless of their race, religion, colour and creed. It is proven that we human beings have utterly failed to keep peace on this earth. We have always found religious, political & territorial conflicts to shed blood of innocent people.
Ahmadis have been spreading their message through peaceful means & dialogue. Opponents should adapt a similar behaviour. Just look around, the Muslim world is engulfed in violence, destruction, on going conflicts and killings. Why? Because we are intolerant.
"Love for all, hatred for none" is what we all need.

12next ›last »

What's On

more
more
more