Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung – Clerics from various Islamic organizations in West Java affiliated with the Indonesian Ulema and Ummah Forum (FUUI) have called on the public to be wary of Shia teachings that they claim are heretical and deviating from Islam.
FUUI head Athian Ali, representing 200 clerics from organizations like Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, Hidayatullah, Al-Irsyad and Indonesian Muslim Unity (PUI), discussed the issue last week at an event in Bandung, which West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan attended.
"There are at least three objections to Shia teachings. Firstly, Shia considers that the current Koran has been corrupted," Athian told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. "Secondly, it recalls that only Shiite clerics hold the ultimate authority to interpret the hadiths,"
"Thirdly, contractual marriage is consented to and can be carried out for two hours, 10 days or 10 years, which according to us is legalizing prostitution. Such matters are deviating from and have tarnished the religion."
Athian also urged the government to close all "Iranian Corners" programs set up by Iranian diplomats in a number of universities across the country. The ulemas claimed the presence of Iranian Corners was part of a campaign to promote Shia through educational programs.
Athian said the propagation of the sect was also carried out through a scholarship program for 200 children annually, in which they are obliged to be Shiite.
The appeal to be alert of Shia was also expressed by Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) secretary Rafani Akhyar, who said although an edict declaring Shia as heretical has not been issued, the state should watch out for its political movements as he believed the establishment of Shia state is among the pillars of the faith.
"There are apparently basic differences as well as resistance but MUI has yet to issue an edict on heresy. From the religious aspects, I am not too concerned, because teachings among Sunni Muslims are already strong. What we need to be worried about instead is from the political aspects. If Shia thrives, it could change our state system," Rafani said.
In regards to Heryawan's presence in the event, West Java provincial spokesman Ruddy Gandakusumah said the governor did not comment on a decision on Shia ban in West Java. But Ruddy said the governor could not ignore the aspirations of the ulemas.
"So far, there is not yet any plan to issue a gubernatorial decree on banning Shia in West Java," Ruddy said.
Previously, the East Java provincial administration disclosed it may go ahead with its plan to issue a bylaw on the spread of religion regarded as capable of causing sectarian strife and disturbing public order.
"The bylaw is still being discussed. It doesn't mean that the government bans a person from embracing a religion, but we will ban the spread of faiths that are capable of disrupting peace and order within the community," East Java Deputy Governor Saifullah said on Friday.
The idea to enact the ordinance is part of the response to demands from Sunni clerics in Madura and the local MUI chapter to ban Shia.