REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Habib Rizieq Shihab sent a voice recording to chairman of 212 Alumni Brotherhood, Slamet Maarif on Wednesday (Feb 21) morning. In his message, Habib Rizieq explained the decision making process on his plan to return home.
Habib Rizieq said the decision made in a last minutes ahead of departure on Tuesday (Feb 20) night. He also had bought tickets for the whole family. By performing Istikharah prayer, his heart finally set for not returning home that day.
Moreover, he has visited Prophet Muhammad PBUH's tomb and paid a visit to his teacher in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He advised Habib Rizieq to not return to Indonesia before getting signs and guidance from Allah. His Indonesian fellow clerics also have given him suggestions.
Habib Rizieq promised to announce his return by himself when the time has come.
"On behalf Hight Priest Welcoming Committee (PPIB), we convey that Habib Rizieq has delayed his return to this country, as his Istikharah prayer result," said chairman of the committee, M Nur Sukma in a written statement on Wednesday (Feb 21).
To all people who expected Habib Rizieqs return and made serious effort to welcome him, we conveyed our gratitude, may Allah SWT always give us the way in the struggle on His path, Sukma added. The struggle that he said means the enforcement of justice in the Republic of Indonesia.
The issue of Habib Rizieq's return was full of uncertainty in the past few days. According to a photograph of airline ticket spreaded in social media, Habib Rizieq was scheduled to depart from Saudi Arabia's King Abdul Aziz airport on Tuesday (Feb 20) and arrived in Jakarta on Wednesday (Feb 21) with Saudi Arabian Airlines.
Habib Rizieq stayed in Saudi Arabia for the last 10 months. Last year, he left Indonesia for umrah pilgrimage continued by hajj pilgrimage. Previously, he had planned to return several times but he never made it.
Habib Rizieq was involved in a number of cases that made him suspect. The allegation of pornographic chat was the most sensational case strangled him. His lawyer, Kapitra Ampera explained the chat was fake and it was a slander.
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