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Ulema: Terrorism against Islamic teachings

NU Online  ·  Sabtu, 9 Oktober 2010 | 00:18 WIB

Bogor, NU Online
Terrorism and its resort to violence to achieve certain goals run counter to Islamic teachings, Habib Saqqaf, an educator of Al-Asriyah Nurul Iman Islamic boarding school, said here Friday.

"Terrorism and its violent ways are not in accordance with Islam," he said as quoted by Antara news agency.&l<>t;br />
Habib Saqqaf is chief of Al-Asriyah Nurul Iman Islamic boarding school which has 18,000 students and is located in Parung, Bogor.

He said the violence practiced by terrorists in what they describe as jihad (holy war) was not in accordance with Islamic teachings.

"Islam is a religion that teaches compassion and gentleness. Islam does not only bring blessings for Muslims and all other in human beings but also for nature," Habib said.

He said someone who had studied Islam well and internalized its noble spirit would never be trapped in terrorism or teachings that justify brutality.

"People who really understand Islam will never be involved in terrorism or commit acts of violence," he said.

Habib said he objected to the perception that terrorism is related to Islam.
"Terrorism is not Islam, because Islam doesn't teach terrorism. Islam teaches peace, harmony and even social pluralism," he said.

Therefore, Habib said, he was infuriated by terrorist activity in Indonesia, the more so by the recent bank robbery committed by terror suspects.

The crime, he said, was really contrary to Islamic teachings and had harmed the country and therefore, the police need to act decisively to uphold the law and justice. (dar)