Kang Said clarifies controversial statement on non-Muslim leaders

Jakarta, NU Online
General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH Said Aqil Siroj (Kang Said) has lately been "scrutinized" by a number of parties related to his statement that allows Muslims to elect non-Muslim leaders. Some have considered the statement is not in line with certain political views that prohibit Muslims from choosing non-Muslim leaders.

"The Kang Said's statement should be viewed comprehensively how the statement came out," deputy secretary general of NU Masduki Baidlawi (Cak Duki) told reporters here on Tuesday (26/4).

Cak Duki added, the Kang Said's statement was not in order to support non-Muslim leaders but to call for the importance of Muslims in choosing leaders based on their integrity, honesty, fairness and so on.

Therefore fair and honest non-Muslim leaders especially in the context of Indonesia are still better than the Muslim leaders who commit injustice. Because the most important things needed in both national and local leadership in Indonesia today are honesty and fairness.

"Honesty and fairness may be inherent in the Muslim and non-Muslim individuals," Cak Duki said, adding that the Kang Said's statement was based on, among others, the statement made by Hadrat Ali that was quoted by Ibn Taymiyyah as saying that a country that is fair will endure even if it is the one of unbelievers. Conversely, a country that commits injustice will perish though it is an Islamic state.

"Choosing non-Muslim leaders are allowed, not the primary choice. The right is (choosing) Muslim leaders who are honest and fair," Cak Duki said.

As known, Kang Said stated the possibility of choosing non-Muslim leaders when asked by reporters at the NU headquarters on Jalan Kramat Raya, Jakarta, Saturday (16/4).

"Anyone who is capable (of becoming a good leader) and trustworthy, honest and fair though he is a non-Muslim and is honest, he is better than a Muslim leader committing injustice. Anywhere and (for) anyone," Kang Said told reporters. (Masdar)