Family ‘repents’ from following Ahmadiyah teachings in Bogor

A family whose members were previously part of Jemaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia declared that they were returning to mainstream Islam after undergoing a program organized by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

Matsukah and Jimy Ringkirwang from Bogor, West Java, recited the shahada (confession of faith) in front of a number of community figures in Cibungbulang on Saturday.

“This is a long journey of MUI’s program for them, and, alhamdulillah [Praise the Lord], they have received hidayah [enlightenment]. Last Saturday, the two recited the shahada, repented and returned to the Islamic teachings according to the Quran and the sunnah,” Cibungbulang MUI secretary Ace Syahrudin Alfariz told Tribunnews.com Monday.

He added that a family of 13 would likely follow the same path on Tuesday.

“The governor’s regulations and the regional regulations have helped them to turn to Islamic teachings,” Ace said.

West Java has issued a ban on Ahmadiyah, which hardliners say deviates from orthodox Islam.

A gubernatorial regulation has banned Ahmadiyah from spreading their faith. It also warned people against resorting to acts of violence against Ahmadis and facilitates government attempts to convert Ahmadis.

The West Java Religious Affairs Agency announced a Gerakan Sajadah (prayer mat campaign) last week, during which Muslims would be encouraged to hold Friday prayers at Ahmadiyah mosques.

Followers of Ahmadiyah are vulnerable to discrimination because their teachings have been labeled as heretic by some Muslims.