Ahmadiyah congregations in Subang Regency, West Java, were able to worship again at the Baitul Masrur Mosque after being banned for two weeks by the local community and government.

Author: Yudi Rachman

A letter prohibiting worship for the Ahmadiyya Subang Congregation. (Photo: Ahmadiyah)

KBR, Jakarta – The Ahmadiyah congregation in Subang Regency, West Java, can once again perform worship at the Baitul Masrur Mosque after being banned for two weeks by the local community and government. The head of the Subang Ahmadiyah congregation, Tarsa, revealed that during the ban, the congregation held two Friday prayers at the house of one of its members. “It’s back to normal now, yesterday’s Friday prayers went smoothly. On normal days too, yesterday there were only two Friday prayers where we couldn’t perform them at the mosque, we performed them at a member’s house. We still perform our five daily prayers at this mosque,” explained the head of the Subang JAI, Tarsa, to KBR, Saturday (26/3/2016).

However, according to Tarsa, even though the mosque is now open, Friday prayers are still monitored and guarded by security forces. “Only every Friday prayer is guarded by police and intelligence. The five daily prayers are not. Thank God, the community hasn’t resorted to intimidation. They probably already understand,” he said.

In fact, he had already requested permission from the local sub-district and village officials to use the mosque for worship. “We’ve asked permission from the sub-district and village officials. The village head said they don’t prohibit us, and they can’t order us to do so, so please go ahead,” he said.

Tarsa added that the Ahmadiyah congregation in Subang numbers nearly 100 people, spread across several areas. Their activities are centered at the Baitul Masrur Mosque. Despite being banned from gathering by the local community and government, they still regularly hold religious studies and prayers at the mosque. “There’s only one branch in Subang, the Baitul Masrur Mosque, so all members of the congregation from various areas within Subang gather here. Although previously, congregations from outside the sub-district were prohibited from coming here, there are no problems now,” he added.

Editor: Nurika Manan

source https://kbr.id/articles/indeks/2_pekan_dilarang__kini_jemaah_ahmadiyah_subang_boleh_beribadah