Source/Credit: The Jakarta Post | West Nusa Tenggara
By Panca Nugraha | September 10, 2010
Picture: The prayer: Followers of Islamic sect Ahmadiyah perform their Idul Fitri prayer at their shelter in Transito Guest House in Mataram on Friday. They have been staying in the shelter since February 2006 after they were expelled from their homes after violence committed against them by groups who deemed their religion heretical. -- JP/Panca Nugraha
More than 100 followers of embattled Islamic sect Ahmadiyah performed their Idul Fitri prayer at their shelter in Transito Guest House in the West Nusa Tenggara capital of Mataram on Friday.
The Ahmadiyah families brought their children along to the mass prayer, which was led by the sect leader Maulana Nasiruddin.
The Ahmadiyah congregation was not reduced to tears this time as they have been in previous years when they went to hug and shake one another's hands at the conclusion of the prayer. Instead, smiles and laughter marked the get-together, although the congregation knew their problems was far from over.
The Ahmadiyah followers have had to celebrate Idul Fitri at the shelter for four years, since they were expelled from their homes in Ketapang hamlet in Gerugung village, West Lombok on Feb. 4, 2006.
“Despite our ordeal, we thank God we could go through the tough test during the Ramadan fasting month and celebrate Idul Fitri peacefully. We only hope for a better life in the future,” Ahmadiyah member Sarim Ahmad said.
He called on the government to show its commitment to protecting Indonesian citizens and their rights, including the freedom of religion.
The government has prohibited Ahmadiyah followers from promoting the Islamic group’s teachings, but stopped short of banning them despite the Indonesian Ulema Council’s edict which declares the group heretical.
Read original post here: Ahmadiyah followers celebrate peaceful Idul Fitri
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