Indonesian Ulema Council Asks Muslims to Avoid ISIS Ideology

Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has appealed to the Indonesian Muslims to avoid and not to be provoked by the radical teachings of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). "We must increase our awareness and call upon all Islamic bodies to be more alert so as not to be used by the radical group and prevent the infiltration of ISIS ideology," said the Indonesian Ulema Council Chairman Din Syamsudin here on Thursday. The council also has affirmed their stance that ISIS is a radical movement using the name of Islam in Iraq and Syria but not upholding the Islamic teachings of "rahmatan Lil'alamin" or blessings to the universe. ISIS has been involved in coercive actions, violence, murder of innocent people, destruction of places considered sacred by Muslims, and undermining the nation state. "Islamic organizations and boarding schools in Indonesia have been upholding the path of Islam as "rahmatan lil'alamin" or blessings to the universe, and also God willing, and thank God, the majority of Muslims are not affected by such notions," said Din. The ISIS Islamic propaganda must be anticipated and condemned, as Indonesia has a very large population of Muslims. (*)