REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Shamsi Ali, Islamic figure in New York responded statement of the United States (US) presidential candidate Donald Trump about banning Muslims in the US. According to him, two to three years ago, Trump also ever gave a similar statement.
Shamsi Ali had also been arguing with Trump in an event. The following letter was Shamsi Ali's response to a controversial statement of Trump.
In recent days, Islam or the US Muslim community again became a byword and concern of almost all circles. Started from the president, senate, congress and other politicians, to religious communities, even Hollywood. The reason was because the front runner of presidential candidate of the Republic Party, Donald Trump, on several occasions delivered statement of hatred against Islam.
His various statements were not only controversial but also showing hate to Islam and its adherents. Started from rejection of Syrian immigrants just because the immigrants were Muslims, plan to close mosques suspected of having radical movement, special identification cards for Muslims in America, and forbidding Muslims to enter the US.
Attitudes and hate speech of Donald Trump was actually not a new thing. Two or three years ago Trump ever gave the same statement, when he was interviewed by Fox News, a television that is also known to be very anti-Islam and Muslims. Questions asked by Fox was "what are your thoughts on Islam and Muslims in America"?
Trump's answer was quite surprising, even disturbing me as an activist for peace and dialogue between religions. "The existence of Islam and Muslims in America need to be watched watch carefully, because Islam is dangerous and bring problems".
After hearing that, I was a little sad. With the help of a friend (Russell Simmons) I met Trump. In that meeting, I actually knew closely about who was Trump. His ignorance or misunderstanding of was so obvious.
One Trump's ignorance about Islam, when he laughingly said to Russell: "I never dreamed to meet with Muslim who can smile". He said that after saw that I came to see him with friendship and smiles.
With all due respect, I ventured to ask him about his conclusion that Muslims could not smile. I already guessed the answer: :"that's what I see in TV. Muslims can only be angry and condemn".
Hearing that I ventured to tell him: "Mr. Trump, I actually had a wrong conclusion about you. From TV, I concluded that you are arrogant. It turns out that today my conclusion seems wrong. It is very naive if I infer from a TV."
Before Trump responded, I continued: "Similarly, it is naive if you make a conclusion about 1.6 billion people only on a TV". Trump saw me seriously. Suddenly my friend Russell asked: "Donald, had you ever read about Islam?".
Trump was silent. And before he answered, Russell continued: "How dare you take a conclusion or talk about something you are ignorant of?"
At the meeting Russell seemed very angry to Trump. Every time Trump would speak, he was cut by Russell.
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