Letters: Indonesian Muslims

This is a comment on a letter written by John Hargreaves (the Post, Dec. 24). Hargreaves is quite correct except for the last two sentences in his letter. It is not true that the majority of the Indonesian population is “nominally Muslim”.

Yes, there are a number of truly nominal “Muslims”, such as those in certain areas of Java who still pray to and sacrifice to pagan deities. But let us not forget the Hanafi definition of a Muslim: anyone who believes in the Shahada.

I lived in Indonesia for nearly three years in total, and I saw the people’s faith, from tiny towns to large cities. Most Indonesians are exactly as they’re usually described: moderate, but very faithful and sincere, Muslims.  Because of their example, I became a Muslim. I would not have done so were most of them merely “nominal” Muslims. I mean no offense to the Javanese, but I would also add that Westerners should get out of Java once in a while and see the rest of the country.

Robert Stallmann
CA, US