When NU cleric asked to hold FPI inauguration

Purworejo, NU Online
Some time ago, several board members of Islamic Defender Front (FPI) Purworejo came to the house of KH Achmad Chalwani (Kiai Chalwani), the leader of Pesantren An-Nawawi and asked the NU senior figure to host the FPI inauguration.

Kiai Chalwani said that he had still served as the deputy chairman of Lawmaking Body of the Central Java's NU Regional Board (PWNU), adding he just wanted to take part in NU instead of expecting to be member of any mass organizations such as FPI.

With respect and a heavy heart, the former member of the DPD was not willing to host the inauguration and said that he would take part and develop the Nahdliyin-based organization, Nahdlatul Ulama.

"However, that does not mean I reject or I am opposed to FPI, or Rizieq. Their religious practices are NU. In fact, one of the prayers composed by Rizieq-called Kisah Sang Rasul is often sung everywhere by Shaykh Habib Abdul Qadir bin Assegaf. They have remained (embracing the teachings of) Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah," Kiai Chalwani said.

"It also does not mean I defend Ahok. Since the beginning, I have agreed with the verdict of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)," he told NU Online here Wednesday (8/2).

However, according to Kiai Chalwani, he and their students (santri) have their own ways quite different from the FPI.  "We prefer soft, gentle movements," he said.  (Ahmad Naufa/Masdar)