"Of course, we hope Islam, as its name suggests, can be a place of calm, a peacemaker," said MUI chairperson for Da'wah and Ukhuwah, Muhammad Cholil Nafis, here on Friday.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine, which is rooted in the struggle for rights over territory, will not be resolved if it is debated, he added. Therefore, he said he hopes that Muslims can help calm the situation in order to achieve peace.
He also appealed to Muslims in Indonesia to pray for Muslims in Palestine in various ways, including by reciting Qunut Nazilah, a prayer offered when a disaster occurs.
"Because one thing that Muslims can rely on is prayer," he said.
Then, Nafis appealed to people who want to send donations and assistance to send them through official and accredited institutions.
In addition, he stated the MUI's position regarding the current situation in Palestine.
"We not only want a ceasefire, but also Palestinian sovereignty," he informed.
Earlier, a similar statement was made by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), who called for an immediate end to the war between Israel and Palestine to prevent further casualties and destruction of property.
"Because conflict escalation can have a greater humanitarian impact," President Widodo said on Tuesday (October 10, 2023).
He further said that he had asked Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, and related ministries/institutions to take quick action to protect Indonesian citizens in the areas affected by the conflict.
"The root of the conflict is the occupation of the Palestinian territories by Israel, which must be resolved immediately according to the parameters agreed upon by the UN," he added.
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Translator: Sean Muhamad, Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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