Jakarta, NU Online
The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) urged Muslims to be careful with possible 'haram' verdict for choosing a particular person running for president in the 2014 presidential election. In addition to threatening harmony in society, the fatwa is also considered inappropriate.<>

"No need to issue a 'haram' fatwa to choose a particular candidate," chairman of Lawmaking Body of NU KH Ahmad Ishomuddin here on Tuesday (24/6).

He explained, "Indonesia is a country that is valid in accordance with Islam. While the presidential candidates and their running mates have been officially stipulated by the General Elections Commission (KPU) as a state institution in the republic.

"We do not need to confront religious rules with the state ones. What is lawful according to the state means it is also lawful according to Islam. (not forbibbed / haram). And appointing a leader is such obligatory," he said.

Kiai Ishomuddin advised, in the political realm ulema should focus on the importance of participating in the election rather than involving themselves in a polemic.

"Nashbul Imamat (appointing a leader) is very important in Islam. Without a leader there will be chaos," he said.

NU, he added, had called on its members (Nahdliyin) to participate in the the much-awated presidential election.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq