It is the task of clerics, religious preachers and teachers to convey Islamic teachings in a civil mannerJakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked religious leaders and government officials concerned to prevent the spread of erroneous interpretations of religious teachings so that people can live peacefully.
"We must prevent the spread of mistaken interpretations of religious teachings," he said in his speech at the commemoration of the Prophet Mohammad`s birthday at the State Palace here on Wednesday evening.
He said spreading wrong interpretations of religious teachings would always hurt those who had different views and usually leads to physical conflicts.
Therefore, he called on all clerics and government officials concerned to closely monitor every development happening in the community.
Efforts to prevent the spread of misinterprated religious teachings must become a priority but must be done in a peaceful manner, he said.
Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of the role of clerics in giving the right religious interpretation and therefore he also hoped that they could emulate the Prophet Mohammad`s ways of guiding his followers.
He said one of the characteristics of Prophet Mohammad was his civility.
"It is the task of clerics, religious preachers and teachers to convey Islamic teachings in a civil manner," he said.
President Yudhoyono hoped clerics would not use harsh words moreover slanders when presenting religious teachings or conveying opinions.
Religious affairs minister Suryadharma Ali meanwhile said at the occasion that slanders often occurred in life including in the life of the state and nation.
The minister called on Moslems in the country not to slander and remain wise in responding to slanders from others.
The event was also attended by vice president Boediono and some cabinet ministers as well as ambassadors from friendly countries.(*)
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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
