Gus Sahal 'Slaps' Ustaz Felix Siauw-Khalid Basalamah About The Great Indonesia Song And Nationalism: Not In Indonesia, Please Go

JAKARTA - Ustaz Felix Siauw's controversial statement about nationalism has no argument, so Khalid Basalamah's ban on singing Indonesia Raya was highlighted by a young Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) intellectual, Akhmad Sahal.

Gus Sahal, Akhmad Sahal's nickname, said that this way of thinking is clearly wrong. Even in the end, it can undermine the philosophy and foundation of life for the nation and state.

"Not in Indonesia, please go," said Gus Sahal on the CokroTV Youtube channel, reported by VOI, Sunday, May 30.

According to Gus Sahal, honoring the Red and White flag and singing Indonesia Raya again is an expression of gratitude for the nation's children to be free from colonialism. Living in a country where everyone can compete in goodness.

"We are grateful because we have a country, we have a nation and a homeland. Compared to nations that do not have a homeland, they do not have a state, so it is an expression," said Gus Sahal.

Gus Sahal also opposed the statement of Felix Siauw about nationalism which had no evidence to defend. It is ironic that Felix has been vocal in defending Palestine, which understands nationalism.

"So this is absurd, something that shows that he (Felix) does not understand Islam. There are a number of hadiths which state that defending the homeland loving the homeland is part of the sunnah of the prophet,"

"There is a hadith which states that when the Prophet Muhammad traveled, when he saw the walls of Medina from afar, his heart blossomed, wanting to get to his homeland, to his country of Medina," explained Gus Sahal.

Also when the Prophet saw his companions sick. The Prophet, said Gus Sahal, then prayed to Allah to give healing to his friend as Allah gave his love to Medina.

"This is evidence, the argument that truly conveys the prophet's love for the homeland for the land of his blood," said Gus Sahal.

For information, an old video circulated by Ustaz Khalid Basalamah who asked his congregation to refuse to sing the Indonesia Raya anthem. Starting from the congregation's question to Khalid about the obligation to sing Indonesia Raya at school every morning.

Ustaz Khalid Basalamah also suggested that the congregation read Al-Falaq and An-Nas only. The old video was shared by Twitter user AhlulQohwah. "Don't go (singing). My advice is don't go (sing)! When he sees our mouths. Of course this doesn't mean we are against, but I discussed my advice. I was asked if I didn't have to come, "he said.

Felix Siauw's statement about nationalism was written on his Twitter account in 2012. “Defending nationalism, there is no argument, there is no guide | defending Islam, the reward is clear, the example is clear," wrote Felix.