Islamic leaders in Indonesia have rejected an invitation from the United States Congress to attend a prayer breakfast.
Hasyim Muzadi, the chairman of the largest Islamic organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, said he and the leader of the second largest group, Muhammadiyah, would not be attending because of a possible American attack on Iraq.
He said a joint prayer session for world peace was no longer relevant.
Mr Muzadi said a US decision to make Indonesian nationals register with immigrations officials when they are in America was also a factor in their decision not to attend.
The event takes place in the first week of February.
Respect goes out to the sincere muslims of indonesia who even in face of pressure and attack from the kuffar stick with the muslims of iraq and the ummah worldwide :k:
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Islamic leaders in Indonesia have rejected an invitation from the United States Congress to attend a prayer breakfast. Hasyim Muzadi, the chairman of the largest Islamic organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, said he and the leader of the second largest group, Muhammadiyah, would not be attending because of a possible American attack on Iraq. He said a joint prayer session for world peace was no longer relevant.
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IMHO it would have been better to attend - surely that is the place to discuss your sentiments, put out a balanced case for why one opposes the war? The message sent by not attending is simply one of - we refuse to communicate, refuse to listen to the other party's perspectives. That caters beautifully into the stereotype of all Muslims (particularly men) being loud, obnoxious and arrogant - but in the end, we have just hurt ourselves and the issue we hold so dearly (i.e., that of war against Iraq).
IMHO it would have been better to attend - surely that is the place to discuss your sentiments, put out a balanced case for why one opposes the war? The message sent by not attending is simply one of - we refuse to communicate, refuse to listen to the other party's perspectives. That caters beautifully into the stereotype of all Muslims (particularly men) being loud, obnoxious and arrogant - but in the end, we have just hurt ourselves and the issue we hold so dearly (i.e., that of war against Iraq).
No?
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What makes you think that if they atteneded and voiced their sentiments that it wont fall on deaf ears...
The time of listening has long gone... Like the Jordanian president said 'it would take a miracle for there not to be war' ..
This invitation was for a prayer session for world peace, thats so hypocritical of US congress dont you think, when they are about to go for war with Iraq. Had they known the meaning of peace then there wouldnt be +500,000 dead by now... in this time of turmoil they should hold session where they should rethink what they have done for past years....
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*Originally posted by Dai_sista: *
What makes you think that if they atteneded and voiced their sentiments that it wont fall on deaf ears...
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Dai_Sista, i think i know exactly how you feel and in fact i agree. But i still force myself to believe that channels of communication are better than the route of ignoring others and shutting oneself off.
Think of it this way - each of us one day have to face God and be held accountable for our deeds. Let Him not ask us whether we, as individuals, tried everything in our capacities to encourage peace - let Him judge whether or not the other party has "deaf ears". But our responsibilities, are to do everything possible in order to communicate peacefully with others, not ignore them. If this Indonesian delegation had attended the prayer breakfast, they could have presented their perspectives as to why they oppose this war - not only that, since it is a "prayer breakfast", one Imam of their delegation would probably have been invited to recite a Surah from the Quran. Sure - they would have had the door slammed on their faces and no one would have given a hoot about their perspectives - but, at the very least, Allah would have known that they tried to do something, in a peaceful manner, to oppose this war. Isn't that more important?
Nadia, actions speak louder than words. The Indonesians are doing their duty, and carrying out their responsibility, correctly, as ever.
A breakfast meeting is just that - breakfast. What came before the breakfast, and what will come after, has consequences. Had they agreed to attend, this news event would never have taken place. They would have simply been marked off on the roster of attendees as "Indonesis - Check", and that's that. How would the public be made aware that not everyone is happy with US decisions? By not choosing to attend, they have sent a strong message, not just to the US Congress but also to their own political leaders, who they ultimately have to answer to and who have to deal with them. Their message basically is more to their own government, "Indonesia will not support this war, or else be prepared for some domestic problems".
In my opinion, recitals of a Surah from the Qur'an have no place in a meeting where the hosts have no sincere desire to attend to the guidance enumerated in that recitation. It is in fact equivalent to singing the National Anthem at a football meet, or can be substituted by a Biblical passage or even someone's speech.. a significant demotion for that verse. If a Surah is to be recited, it must stand apart, not be a substitute for something else.
Also, by not attending, the group is clearly sending out a challenge to the invitees and participants - If you want us to be a part of your world, you must accept to be a part of ours.. the world does not run by US rules alone.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Indonesian Muslims reject US invite
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*Originally posted by Nadia_H: *
Dai_Sista, i think i know exactly how you feel and in fact i agree. But i still force myself to believe that channels of communication are better than the route of ignoring others and shutting oneself off.
Think of it this way - each of us one day have to face God and be held accountable for our deeds. Let Him not ask us whether we, as individuals, tried everything in our capacities to encourage peace - let Him judge whether or not the other party has "deaf ears". But our responsibilities, are to do everything possible in order to communicate peacefully with others, not ignore them. If this Indonesian delegation had attended the prayer breakfast, they could have presented their perspectives as to why they oppose this war - not only that, since it is a "prayer breakfast", one Imam of their delegation would probably have been invited to recite a Surah from the Quran. Sure - they would have had the door slammed on their faces and no one would have given a hoot about their perspectives - but, at the very least, Allah would have known that they tried to do something, in a peaceful manner, to oppose this war. Isn't that more important?
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This prayer session is by no means an opportunity for channel of communication... Bush will use every method available to justify why he needs to go war, indirectly of course and affirm that in this Annual prayer breakfast everyone present realises that.
Its highly unlikely that any indonesian will be able to approach let alone be heard in this prayer breakfast... Accepting this invitation is like saying 'your wish is my command sir'.
By rejecting the invitation, indonesian islamic leaders have shown more loyalty to muslims and they have taken a stance and said 'NO'.. May Allah azwjal be with those who dont bend down to their oppressors.
I'm looking forward to hearing his speech in this prayer breakfast, it'll be intersting to know what he says...