"People who do not want to live side by side in peace with others who are different from them, and who then try to expel or even kill those others because of the difference, do not pass God`s test," " Din Syamsuddin, the chief of one of Indonesia`s largest Islamic organizations, Muhammadiyah, said here on Saturday.
He said pluralism was God`s decision which must be accepted. Man cannot choose to be born in a certain place as everything is determined by God.
"Those who were born in Bali are also determined by God. I happen to be born in Sumbawa and it was not because of our wish. This is important so that we can develop brotherhood in a pluralistic community," he said when inaugurating the executive boards of the Bali regional chapters of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiah, Muhammadiyah`s women wing.
Therefore, Din called on Muhammadiyah members to become pioneers in developing harmony peacefully including in Bali which is known to be very heterogenous.
"Muhammadiyah members everywhere must do their best or conduct improvements and restructuring in everything. Today must be better than yesterday," he said.
To all Moslems he reminded that Islam is a religion of love whose presence was to bring peace to the world and all human beings.
"Let us spread good deeds on earth and avoid destructive acts," he said. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
