"I have longed to visit Indonesia. I had heard much about Indonesia and its Muslim community. Alhamdulillah (thank God), my longing has been fulfilled with this visit," he said during the Friday sermon at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.
He shared several reasons for his admiration of Indonesia, noting that Muslims in the country embody true Islamic teachings, practicing the religion with love, compassion, and moderation.
He remarked that the warm hospitality of Indonesians in welcoming guests is particularly impressive and unlike anything he has seen elsewhere.
"Islam is full of compassion, deeply respects humanity, and upholds the guidance brought by previous prophets and apostles. It is a moderate and balanced religion," he stated.
Sheikh Ahmad further explained that Islam promotes a balance between faith and good deeds. If anything is deemed excessive, he said, it is not part of Islam.
"Excessive behavior is neither good nor encouraged. We should avoid it," he emphasized.
He also highlighted that Islam values humanity and honors all people, as described in the Quran, which teaches that humans are created with differences in religion, ethnicity, skin color, and language.
For Muslims, these differences are not grounds for division, he said, quoting a verse from the Quran: "Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects—you, (O Muhammad), are not associated with them in anything. Their affair is only with Allah, and He will inform them of what they used to do."
"I want all of us to follow Allah's command: that all believers are brothers," he added.
In addition to delivering the sermon, Sheikh Ahmad also led the Friday prayers at Istiqlal Mosque.
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Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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