(ENI) — Prominent religious leaders in Indonesia are urging Muslims not to join extremist forces believed responsible for a series of well-publicized suicide bombings in the country.
Such acts, the leaders say, are "too random" and are based on heretical teachings and interpretations of Islamic theology.
"We will disseminate true Islamic teachings on jihad to our members," Din Syamsuddin president of Muhammadiyah, an Islamic organization, said in announcing the campaign. The initiative joins several groups with Indonesian government efforts to prevent a repeat of acts of violence, such as the November 2002 bombings in Bali, Indonesia which caused 202 deaths.
The exact meaning of jihad is debated and contested — a commonly agreed definition is struggle. Some, however, argue the word has a meaning more suggestive of justice or duty.
"We must control the false interpretations of jihad," said Syamsuddin, who was reported to have called for the withdrawal of books written by convicted terrorists in Indonesia for fear they could inspire further terrorism.
