Muhammadiyah Leader Criticizes Trump Over Joke About Prophet Muhammad’s Name

sajadi Editor : Widi - 16 hours yang lalu

16 hours yang lalu

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Jakarta, MINA – Anwar Abbas, a chairman of Muhammadiyah’s Central Leadership, has criticized US President Donald Trump over a joke about the popularity of the name “Mohammad,” saying the remark was offensive to Islam and hurtful to Muslims.

“For Donald Trump, Islam and Mohammad are both objects of ridicule. This is clearly unacceptable to Muslims because it is obviously hurtful,” Anwar told reporters on Monday.

Anwar argued that the comment went beyond humor and amounted to an insult. He suggested that Trump may have been seeking support from his political base and allies, whom Anwar described as predominantly Christian, Catholic and Jewish.

“The goal is certainly to gain sympathy from the people and his partners, who are mostly Christian, Catholic, and Jewish. We know Donald Trump very often makes Islam a common enemy,” he said.

Anwar also alleged that the remark could help reinforce a perception of Islam as a threat to American society and rally political support. He said he believed Trump’s negative attitude toward Islam had become deeply rooted.

“So for Donald Trump, his hatred of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, and his followers has become something ingrained in him, making it very difficult to eliminate,” Anwar said.

Anwar further expressed doubt that Trump’s attitude would change, making a sharply worded remark about what he viewed as the US president’s conduct.

Trump’s comments were reportedly made during a midterm election campaign rally while he was mocking the Iranian presidency. According to Reuters, Trump joked that people unsure of someone’s name in the Middle East could simply call them “Mohammad.”

“You know, if you’re in doubt about someone’s name from the Middle East, just call them ‘Mohammad,’” Trump said, as quoted by Reuters on Saturday, October 17.

He then claimed that his guess was correct most of the time, adding: “The odds are about 65 percent correct. ‘Hello, Mohammad.’ I’ve been doing it for years. Never wrong.”

The remarks have prompted criticism from Anwar, who said they demeaned Islam and its followers. His comments also raise broader concerns about the impact of political rhetoric involving religious identity, particularly amid tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, has frequently spoken out against anti-Muslim prejudice and called for respect for religious dignity. Anwar’s response reflects his objection to remarks he considers derogatory toward Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

The controversy highlights continuing debates over Islamophobia, religious tolerance and the responsibility of political leaders when speaking about religious and ethnic communities. Critics of anti-Muslim rhetoric argue that public figures should avoid language that could reinforce prejudice or marginalize religious minorities.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)