One wonders if Amidhan Saberah of the Indonesian Council of Ulema ever said that the burnings of churches and terrorizing of Christians in Indonesia was “a little too much.” Or is it just reindeer and twinkly lights that make him emotional?
Islamic Tolerance Alert from modern, moderate Indonesia: “Muslim body says Christmas decor at Indonesian malls is too much,” from DPA, December 23:
Jakarta – Christmas decorations at shopping malls in mainly Muslim Indonesia are a little over the top, the country’s Islamic body said Thursday.
Ornaments such as Christmas trees, reindeer and twinkly lights have graced malls, hotels and other public places in the capital Jakarta ahead of Christmas.
‘We know that Christmas is celebrated globally, but in Indonesia where people embrace different religions, the scene is a little too much,’ said Amidhan Saberah, a member of the Indonesian Council of Ulema (Muslim scholars).
‘Meanwhile, tens of millions of Indonesians are living in poverty and some are still struggling to get back on their feet after disasters,’ he said….
“Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?”
Muslim shop employees are often required to wear Santa Claus paraphernalia even though it might be against their religious convictions, he said….
Muslims make up more than 80 per cent of Indonesia’s 230 million people and are mostly moderate, but small groups of hardliners are clamouring for the imposition of Islamic law, or sharia.
A Tiny Minority of Extremists, yet again unrebuked and unrestrained by the “mostly moderate” majority.