Elin Yunita Kristanti Updated 30 Jul 2023
Liputan6.com, Jakarta – Throughout his life, Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur was a guardian of plurality and a fighter for tolerance. He is loyal to defend the rights of the Ahmadiyya community , to live and get protection. Agree or disagree with his teachings, that’s another matter. The 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia was the first leader to formally welcome the visit of the IV Khalifah of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Congregation, Mirza Tahir Ahmad at Bina Graha, Jakarta on 28 June 2000.
It was the first and only visit of the Ahmadiyya global leader to Indonesia.Gus Dur’s first daughter, Alissa Qotrunnada Munawaroh Wahid or Alissa Wahid inherited this spirit. The National Coordinator of the Gusdurian Network even attended the jalsa salana or global meeting of the Ahmadiyya community in England, which was held July 28-30 2023
He revealed that the relationship between Gus Dur’s family and the Ahmadiyya congregation in Indonesia and globally has continued to strengthen until now, going through good and challenging times.“Now, President Wahid has passed away. I lead the Indonesian Gusdurian Network and the interfaith community to promote humanity and peace,” Alissa Wahid said while giving a speech at Jalsa Salana 2023 , Saturday 29 July 2023.Through this network, he added, his party cooperates with Ahmadiyah members in Indonesia, especially when there is persecution and pressure on the community.
“Through these interactions, the Ahmadiyah members that I met were extraordinary human beings. They are hard workers, who show integrity, humanity, willingness to collaborate and full of respect,” said Alissa.Ahmadiyah members, in the eyes of the psychologist, are peace lovers and contribute to society. He believes their attitude is a reflection of what is taught in the Ahmadiyya community.”So, whenever I am with an Ahmadi, I see what the Prophet taught: the best human being is one that is beneficial to other human beings,” Alissa added.
On the other hand, it is undeniable that the Ahmadiyya community faces many challenges in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. Violence and persecution still occur, but they reinforce rather than destroy.“With the spirit of “lover for all, hatred for none” in a world filled with hatred, the love you bring radiates hope,” said Alissa. “Thank you for being the face of Islam which is rahmatan lil alamin , Islam is a gift to the universe, along with many other Muslim organizations.”
Discrimination and Persecution Still Experiencing
At least there were three things about Ahmadiyah which became the topic of a number of figures who attended and gave speeches, namely Ahmadiyah’s message of peace, its contribution to society, as well as the discrimination and persecution that is still being experienced today.What’s happening in Pakistan is in the spotlight. The local government has banned the Ahmadiyya community from celebrating Eid al-Adha and performing qurbani.
Acts of vandalism also targeted a number of Ahmadiyya mosques. One of them is the destruction in Saddar, Karachi. The video of the perpetrator in action using a hammer went viral on social media.The same thing happened to the indigenous community of the First Nations (First Nations) in Canada. Her representative, Alyson Sara Natasha Bear was also present at the jalsa salana.
The Vice Chairman of the Federation of Souvereign Indigenous Nations appeared impressive, wearing a traditional hat made of animal hair. “In our country, our community is experiencing genocide. They are trying to kill us, take away our culture and land,” he said.Like Ahmadiyah, this indigenous tribe continues to strive to rise and continue to survive. “We do it through love, by passing on love from one generation to the next. We do it through prayer. Our ancestors prayed for the next seven generations and those prayers are now protecting us,” added Alyson.
Her presence at the jalsa salana was to forge new friendships and networks. Also new allies. “We are here to build a ‘bridge’, and support each other.”
The Ahmadiyya network is known to have spread to Canada. The community built a Peace Village or settlement on a land area of 400 thousand square meters. The Baitul Islam Mosque is in it.*
Categories: Ahmadis, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, America, American History, Americas, Asia, Canada, Indonesia, Jalsa, Jalsa Salana, Muslim Television Ahmadiyya, UK