Muslim preacher Abdul Somad has been summoned by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) about his statement regarding the Christian cross during a sermon.
The video has gone viral on social media platforms. Certain parties have also filed a lawsuit against Somad for alleged blasphemy.
“We want to dig more information from him to know the details of the chronology to avoid making wrong decisions. So we’ll ask for clarification first to the related person, and inshallah he’s ready to meet us today at 15:00 in the MUI’s office,” MUI’s deputy chairman Zainut Tauhid stated.
MUI also hopes that the case will be solved shortly. “MUI calls on all parties to be patient, remain calm, and not be influenced or provoked by those who intend to create conflict between religious communities in the public,” Zainut added.
The Horas Bangso Batak Community, Brigade Meo Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), and the Indonesian Christian Students Movement (GMKI) have also reported Somad’s statement to the police. They claim that Somad’s statement has insulted the fundamentals of Christianity.
Meanwhile, Abdul Somad said that the sermon took place three years ago. He had merely responded to a question raised by one of the attendees, and only Muslims had been present during the discussion.
Source: Tempo
Image: Kompas