Ali further said, according to the Quran, every time the word "jihad" is used, it is always followed by the word "fisabilillah", which means "connected with Allah`s way" which is a truthful and good way. Therefore, God forbids achieving a good aim th
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Imam Shamsi Ali of the New York Islamic Centre, US, has asked the Islam Defender Front (FPI) to rethink their methods to achieve their goals.

He announced his statement in response to the Indonesia Without FPI phenomenon that has been much discussed in Indonesia in the last few days.

"I ask FPI to reflect on their methods, and question whether their way has been consistent with Islamic ethics or not," Ali told ANTARA News in Jakarta, Tuesday night.

According to Ali, the mass organization of Islam is still needed to seek solutions to the socio-cultural problems found in society.

"FPI still exists because there is public pressure to reduce unjust things in society. But, I disagree that you reduce unjust things through unjust ways, which contradicts the ethics of Islam," said Ali.

Ali added that the dissolution of FPI would not solve the problem because of the supportive public which thinks its aspirations are represented by FPI.

"That is why I really ask FPI to rethink their ways, because Islam will always leads towards peace, not cruelty," he said.

Ali further said, according to the Quran, every time the word "jihad" is used, it is always followed by the word "fisabilillah", which means "connected with Allah`s way" which is a truthful and good way. Therefore, God forbids achieving a good aim through cruelty.

"According to history, Mohammad always uses persuasive and peaceful methods to teach his messages," he said.

Imam Ali visited Indonesia, along with 13 interfaith figures in the US, to deliver a message of peace and that religion is not the source of conflict, instead it brings harmony into the world.

Those religious figures include representatives of three elements of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the US.

The group arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday, Feb 12 and has visited Darun Najah Boarding School in Jakarta. On Wednesday, Feb 22 they were scheduled to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to deliver their message.

After visiting Jakarta, the group will bring their mission to Jordan, where they will meet King Abdullah II, and to Jerusalem to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Perez.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012