Ansor Chairman: Do not be offensive in responding to misleading sect followers

Surabaya, NU Online
The General Chairman of the Ansor Youth Movement (GP Ansor) Saifullah "Gus Ipul" Yusuf has called on the people not to be offensive in responding to the followers of misguided and misleading sects.

Gus Ipul said that the followers should be realized to get back to the right path.<>

"Do not be offensive to those having followed misguiding sects," he said here on Sunday, adding that they should be approached and advised.

While speaking at the opening of the GP Ansor Conference in Surabaya, Gus Ipul admitted that the existence of "deviant" sects was such a challenge for the Nahdliyin youth organization.

He then called on Ansor to immediately participate in dealing with their misguiding teachings.

While, following the controversy over misleading sects, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) recently announced 10 criteria that indicated an Islamic sect was "misguided".

During the MUI's national working meeting, the council said that among the criteria for "misguided" sects were defying one of the Islamic six pillars of faith and believing in or following teachings that are not in line with the Koran and Sunnah as the source of Islamic teachings.

Other criteria included believe in God's revelation after the Quran, denying the authenticity of the Koran, and contradicting prevailing interpretations.

Denying Muhammad's position as the last prophet, as well as insulting him were also regarded as signs, as well as ignoring the Hadiths, the Prophet's sayings and deeds, as the source of Islamic teachings.

The MUI also said sects change, add to or reduce basic aspects of worship already determined by sharia, such as praying five times a day or making the pilgrimage to Mecca.

They also regard other Muslims as infidels without textual arguments.
(duta/sbh)