INDONESIA RELIGIOUS MINISTER: ISLAMIC SCHOOLS NOT TEACH RADICALISM

Jakarta, 22 Dzulqa’dah 1435/17 September 2014 (MINA) – The Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said, Islamic schools never teach violence and radicalism, because Islam guide mercy for all creatures.

“Islam is a religion which spread rahmatan lil ‘alamin (mercy for all creatures). If there is an institution that teaches violence, I’m sure it’s not a Islamic school, “said Minister of Religios stated in its official media as quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) Wednesday.

The Minister also said if any scholl that teach radicalism, theyonly on behalf of Islamic schools. Lukman explained, Islamic schools in Indonesia (Pesanten)  has very special characteristics. “It is not impossible if they teach something contrary to the basic teachings of Islam,” he said.

Related to the preacher license issue, Lukman explained, there is no discussion about it in his institution. According to him, everyone can express his thoughts in front of the congregation as long as they willing to listen.

He added that the mosque was no longer give change to “foreign” person to give a speech.

The son of former religious Minister Syaifuddin Zuhri also mentioned that so far, Islamic school is the solid fortress for Indonesian people in stemming radicalism. According to him, pesantren always protect people from the effects of transnational movement that undermines the ideology of the nation.

Verily, in Islam, mercy encompasses this world and the Hereafter, as well as humankind, animals, birds and the surrounding habitats. Allaah Says: “And My mercy encompasses every thing.

Allaah has ascribed Mercy to Himself and He has also described His Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, and righteous servants as being endowed with it. Allaah Says: “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah and those who are with him are severe against the disbelievers and merciful to one another.(L/P010/P007/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)