Nahliyin told to keep preserving tahlil tradition

Yeongcheon, NU Online
In welcoming the 93rd anniversary of NU, the Nahdlatul Ulama Special Branch Board (PCINU) of South Korea held a leadership basic training (LDK) for its board members and emirs of mushalla or mosques across South Korea. The event was held at the PCINU secretariat office in Yeongcheon, Kyeongsangbuk Do, Sunday (24/4).

In addition to being attended by representatives of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, the gathering was also used as a means of culticating relationship among NU followers (Nahdliyin) and giving an understanding of becoming Indonesians who live in South Korea such reasons as working, studying, and so on.

The PCINU-sponsored annual program was also used as part of further understanding the teachings of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah having so far been maintained and preserved by the world's largest Muslim organization.

The event was kicked off by singing the national anthem Indonesia Raya chaired by Hasan Tohari and reciting the so-called tahlil led by Ahmad Syaifulloh.

The chairman of PCINU Zaenal Abidin called for the importance of Nahdliyin in South Korea to keep preserving the NU long-standing tradition.

"The training (LDK) agenda with such materials as Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah, leadership and national defense are very important in fortifying Muslims especially Nahdliyin in Korea from both ​influence and threat of lines of thought posed by the radicals that could be the source of dispute among fellow Muslims," ​​he said.

Meanwhile, Tudiono speaking about the national defense and representative of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, also stressed of the importance of defending the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

He spoke at length about the history of the Indonesian nation, especially Pancasila as the state ideology that protects all races, tribes, religions, customs, cultures in the fight for and defending the independence of Indonesia.

"The organization of NU that was born as the frontline in the fight for independence and maintaining the Indonesian independence should be emulated by each of us. NU is a moderate organization that is capable of appreciating and respecting the diversity of Indonesian society," Tudiono continued.

He also said that defending the country was a must given the increasing threats of terrorism following the emergence of ISIS and bombing attacks in various countries in Europe such as France, Turkey, Belgium and the ongoing conflicts in Middle East.

"Even now the threat of terrorism has come in South Korea following the arrest of Indonesian nationals for allegedly becoming sympathizers of Jabhat al-Nusro."

For that reason, he expected the Nahdliyin in South Korea to be more active in spreading friendly, peaceful and tolerant Islam for it is so-called rahmatan lilalamin (a blessing for the universe). (Masdar)