- Friday, January 30, 2026
Sukowati Utami JI– Sunday, January 25, 2026
Ahmadiyya Muslims and Indonesia: 100 Years of Diversity and Humanitarian Work
HUKAMANEWS – Anyone who likes to judge before they know should hold their breath before opening the book “Ahmadiyya Muslims and Indonesia .” This book is like a warm, open invitation to dinner, but it also touches on the prejudices we often harbor secretly.
Amidst the clamor of identity-based hatred, Ahsan Jamet Hamidi invites readers to enter through the door of empathy, not the pulpit of judgment. With an honest and slightly mischievous tone, this two-volume book demonstrates that diversity is not a threat, but rather a genuine humanitarian endeavor. Reading this book, we are invited to learn an important lesson: getting to know each other better is often the most elegant way to move away from prejudice.
Last week, I attended the launch of the book “Ahmadiyya Muslims and Indonesia: 100 Years of Diversity and Humanitarian Work.” This two-volume book features writings by 100 figures and authors, all from outside the Ahmadiyya community.
As a novice writer and reader, I truly felt the love and empathy in every word. Each piece of writing conveyed warmth and honesty, as if inviting the reader to understand with an open heart.
The contributors’ writing styles are certainly diverse, in line with human nature, which is inherently different. This diversity is even richer because the authors come from a wide variety of backgrounds. They differ not only in religious affiliation but also in age, gender, skin color, ethnicity, and various other identities.
Differences are not only evident in the writing styles that reflect each author’s character, but also in their religious affiliations. I deliberately emphasize religious differences, including religious beliefs and organizational affiliations, because for some people who are often fanatical about their choices, these differences often become thick barriers, narrowing their living space. In this context, these differences sometimes have the potential to give rise to problems in daily life. When differences are not understood as an inevitable reality, they easily become a source of prejudice, rejection, persecution, and even conflict.
The differences in writing style, word choice, diction, and language in this book will not make it difficult for readers to understand it. This is because all the writings have been edited by Ismatu Ropi and Dedy Ibmar. Through the touch of heart and love from both of them, each piece feels flowing, crisp, and comfortable to read. I felt that experience myself when reading my writing in Book Volume II, page 199. In my heart I muttered, “How come the sentence structure is so good…” That simple inner expression is proof of how crucial the role of editors is. Thank you to the editors who have made it easier for readers to understand all the writings in this book.
The Ahmadiyya community has been present in the Indonesian archipelago since 1925, long before Indonesia’s independence. Since its inception, the Ahmadiyya community has chosen a peaceful path and dedicated itself to the welfare of the nation. Like other religious organizations, the Ahmadiyya community contributes in various fields, including education, humanitarian services, spiritual strengthening, and interfaith dialogue . All of these efforts are carried out with the awareness that differences are the law of nature, and the essence of diversity lies in devotion to God Almighty and service to fellow human beings. This written message was delivered by Zaki Firdaus Syahir, the National Amir of the Indonesian Ahmadiyya Community.
I noted the opinion of Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, former Minister of Religious Affairs, at the launch of a book on the root causes of the diverse attitudes of non-Ahmadi communities. He acknowledged that the Ahmadiyya Community is one of the most solid Islamic religious organizations in the world.
Ahsan Jamet Hamidi, former WALHI staff
To join this congregation, one must undergo a pledge of allegiance (bai’ah), a pledge of loyalty and obedience to the leader (imam, caliph, or cleric), as long as it does not conflict with the teachings of Allah and His Messenger. Furthermore, religious leadership for its followers is structured, with a network of interconnected people spanning the globe.
Categories: Ahmadis, Ahmadiyyat: True Islam, Asia, Indonesia