REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Head of da'wah and community development commission Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), KH Cholil Nafis commented on the poetry titled "Ibu Indonesia" (Indonesian mother), written by Sukmawati Soekarnoputri. The poetry was widely criticized as it was considered provoking about SARA (ethnicity, religion, and race). .

In the first line of her poem, Sukmawati wrote, "I did not understand about Islamic Sharia." Kiai Cholil said a Muslim woman who was proud of being blind about her own religion as a "mishap".

"For a newbie, not understanding Islamic sharia is understandable, but for Muslim woman, it is a "mishap". Sharia is the sources of Islamic lesson. Every Muslim should understand it. Sharia is originated from Allah SWT," said Kiai Cholil on Tuesday (April 3).

Sukmawati also said that women with bun were pretier than women with veil .The curl of women's hair was a sacred as the cloth that wrapped the body. Some people accused the daughter of Founding Father was comparing women with hijab with those who did not wear it.

"The veil is a product of fiqh (Islamic laws) and ulema's interpretation of Alquran surah an-Nur verse 31, especially according to Ibnu Mas'ud. So, even if the veil was not an obligation, but it did not merely about beauty. It was also about obedience to the God," he explained.

In the poem, Sukmawati mentioned about the sound of Indonesian mothers's hymn that is more melodious than azan (call to prayer). Kiai Cholil said azan is part of da'wah Islam to call people to perform prayers. He asserted that azan is not only about the melodious voice, but for Muslims it would touch their hearts.

"Because azan is a praise to Allah and the invitation to embrace happiness," said Kiai Cholil.

The poem was read by Sukmawati on the commemoration of Anne Avantie's journey as kebaya (Javanese blouse) designer during Indonesia Fashion Week 2018 event at Jakarta Convention Center. For 29 years, Anne has devoted her life as kebaya designer. She was also known as Christian writer and activist.

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