The sealing of the Ahmadiyah Mosque in Garut has triggered various reactions from Indonesian society, reflecting the complexity of issues of religious freedom and social order in this country. Ahmadiyah, as a sect in Islam, often experiences discrimination and rejection from majority groups who consider their teachings deviant. On July 9 2024, the Garut regional government sealed the Ahmadiyah mosque for reasons of maintaining order and security in the area, after pressure from community groups who rejected the existence of the Ahmadiyah community. This move, although claimed to be an effort to prevent conflict, raises serious questions about the government's commitment to religious freedom guaranteed by the Indonesian constitution.
The mosque is an important aspect for the Ahmadiyya congregation in carrying out their religious teachings, apart from being a place of worship, the mosque is also a symbol of their religious identity. the existence of a mosque gives them a sense of identity and a place to stand in practicing their beliefs, especially amidst the social challenges and discrimination they sometimes face. In a context where the Ahmadiyya community often experiences discrimination and persecution, the mosque becomes a place of spiritual and emotional refuge. there, congregants can feel safe to worship and express their beliefs without fear of judgment or attack.
one of the members of the Ahmadiyah Community who currently lives in Bandung, and is also a missionary at the Mubarak Mosque. Mr. Iskandar Gumay. gave his response when interviewed by the Jakatarub Team. He was saddened by the sealing of the Ahmadiyya mosque that occurred in Garut. The mosque, which is supposed to be a place to worship God and communicate with fellow Muslims, must be sealed and it is forbidden to worship in it. This seriously injures democratic values and Pancasila.
He also stated that if the Ahmadiyya mosque is open, it is not exclusive. Ahmadiyah mosques are the same as mosques in general, such as the Mubarak mosque in Bandung, every Friday they hold Friday prayers which are attended by the general public, there is no distinction between the general public and the Ahmadiyah community in the mosque. Pak Gumay explained that Ahmadiyah was very concerned about the construction of mosques. because the Ahmadiyah Community has a culture that really glorifies mosques. Lastly, Mr. Gumay explained how the Ahmadiyah Community responds to acts of intolerance against them with the slogan "Love for all Hatred for none". The Ahmadiyya Community will not respond to all acts of intolerance against them.
Categories: Ahmadis, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Asia, Indonesia