Antonio, who is also active in the National Sharia Council of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), made the call during his sermon after the Eid al-Fitr prayer 1440 Hijr in the Sentul City area, Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday.
"Muslims have power, as they come from one womb. Hence, we must strengthen our brotherhood and use this power to empower the potential of Islam," he noted.
Antonio, the former chairman of the Tazkia Islamic Economics College, opined that economic independence among the Ummah can be achieved by promoting the purchase and sale of products among fellow Muslims.
"Let us always buy our own products despite them being costlier than those available in the next stores. However, please bear in mind that those selling products at a slightly higher price enforce prayers in congregation at the mosque, perform zakat and sacrifice, and worship Allah (Almighty God)," he emphasized.
He reiterated that Muslims in Indonesia, constituting 87 percent of its approximately 260 million population, have the potential to reinforce their sovereignty and not to be reliant on foreigners.
"Our own market is quite big to accommodate our products. Muslims in other countries, such as Yemen, Libya, and Syria, can take a cue from the independence achieved by Indonesia's Muslims," Antonio remarked while convincing that the products and services offered by Indonesian Muslims should be exported abroad with a sharp competitive edge.
"This is the same as that of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who traded not only in Mecca but also brought his merchandise to the land of Sham," he pointed out.
He is upbeat that leaders in Indonesia would identify the potential of Islam and the Ummah to make them the power to develop the nation and people.
At least 10 thousand Muslims attended the Eid prayer with imam Utstadz Abdul Hakim Al Haafidz, held on MH. Thamrin Avenue, as long as approximately 300 meters.
Translator: Bambang Purwanto
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
