REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MECCA -- The Imam of Grand Mosque in Mecca Sheikh Dr. Abdurrahman Al-Sudais smiles from ear to ear when discussing Islam in Indonesia. In his office, which is not far from Masjidil Haram complex, he revealed that Indonesia as the most populous Muslim country has important role in the Muslim world.
Sheikh Sudais said currently Islam faces a big challenge with the emergence of forces who tried to sabotage Islam. Therefore, voices calling for moderation of Islam became very important. "Islam strongly calls for peace. We have tremendous amount of tolerant Muslims," he said.
In his view, Islam is beautiful. Consequently, da'wah process should be able to radiate the beauty of Islam. "Islam has nothing to do with terrorism," he said over the weekend.
Sheikh Sudais deplored the fact there were forces that hijack Islam to give a bad image. On several occasions, he heard from the desire of many Indonesian ulemas, prominent figures and academics to continue voicing tolerant and affectionate Islam towards the universe.
Political and sectarian slogans are big enemies for Islam today. Islamic teachings induced harmony, peace and the importance of maintaining unity. "This is the era of media. We must hand in hand in serving Islam in the new era of digital media," the President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques said when receiving a visit from Indonesian journalists, including Republika editor in chief Irfan Junaidi.
Renovation of Mataf, Grand Mosque, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Internationalization of hajj was one of opinions that has threaten the unity of Islam. The idea was to involve international communities in managing hajj pilgrimage. Sheikh Sudais said Saudi Arabia has answered the idea with real work.
Based on historical journey, Islamic wisdom and geographical fact, he said Saudi Arabia has full authority to serve umrah and hajj pilgrims. To provide best services, Saudi government has done its best efforts to organize the Holy sites, Masjidil Haram and Nabawi Mosque.
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He called on fellow Muslim countries to respect the concept of not interfering each other. Mutual respect for the sovereignty of the state needed to be grown in Muslim countries. "For example, how Indonesia will react if there is a party from other country came and claimed to have the authority to manage Istiqlal Mosque?" Sheikh Sudais remarked.
Therefore, he said the principle of not interfering should be respected. It was the norm in the world society. "Likewise in the management of Haramain in serving hajj and umrah pilgrims from many countries," he reiterated.
Saudi's government has ensured Haramain is in a very safe condition. More than 100 thousand troops deployed to secure the two mosques every day for 24 hours in Ramadan and Hajj season.
Sheikh Sudais said Saudi never interfered Indonesia, Iran or other countries. Saudi government hoped its sovereignty would not be interfered. "All the efforts made by Saudi Arabia to serve the pilgrims are purely to keep the unity of Islam and to enhance the comfort of hajj and umrah pilgrims, hopefully they will become more pious after the worship," Sheikh Sudais said.
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