Our letter in Jakarta Post, 24 January 2015, page 8. Praying for the hostages This January, Muslims in Japan are in deep sorrow about two Japanese citizens who are being held hostage by the Islamic State (IS) movement. Japan welcomes any Muslim from around the world. Recently Japan served Muslims with Halal food and opened prayer rooms in many shopping malls. We Muslims in Japan curse this group’s actions. Islam is a peaceful religion, a blessing for the universe (rahmatanlilalamin). In Islamic history there was no terrorism. Muslims act violently only if they are driven from their homes. Former president Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid said Islam taught Muslims tolerance, humanity and to help others. Also Islam shares the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi, known for the Ahimsa ethos (anti-violence). That’s why those groups who commit violence on behalf of Islam can be excluded from Islam. Prophet Muhammad respected differences. The Prophet signed an agreement with adherents of other religions to live peacefully together in Medina, known in history as the Medina Charter. He also encouraged his followers to study in China, a center of different culture and faiths. Muslims in Japan pray for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s effort to save the hostages. Destika Cahyana and Anggita Ghassani Putri Kanto, Japan
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 11:22:26 +0000
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