Letter: Misleading comments on Islam

I read many opinion articles and comments about religions in The Jakarta Post. This newspaper indeed gives wide scope on the issue. Unfortunately, many Muslims and even non-Muslims, who have commented on the issue, have limited knowledge on Islam.  Their comments could even ruin inter-religion relationships.  Many comments could spark tension between followers of different religions.

Many commentators see Islam from a narrow perspective. They perceive themselves as having enough knowledge to criticize Islam with their limited knowledge on Islam.

I learn many readers’ comments tend to corner the teaching of Islam only based on the behaviors of Muslims without considering what is behind their behavior. The worst thing is that many of those comments are short and therefore over-simplified.

If you really want to raise a certain issue on Islam, it is better if you have adequate knowledge on Islam so that your comments will not mislead other people.

Finally the Post’s editor also needs to publish selectively readers’ comments and hold back those that could ruin harmony among followers of different religions.

Aries Musnandar
Malang, East Java