Jakarta, 30 Oct. (AKI) — Ahmad Mushaddeq, the leader of the controversial Muslim sect, Al Qiyadah Al Islamiyah, and six of his followers have been arrested in Indonesia.
The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), Indonesia’s main state religious institution welcomed the arrests of the Al Qiyadah Al Islamiyah sect members, but asked the police to do more.
“We are asking the police to limit the spreading of these beliefs,” Anwar Ibrahim, head of the MUI Fatwa division told AdnKronos International (AKI).
“The teachings are dangerous and we must be vigilant.”
The sect is regarded as a heretic organisation by the MUI and several other religious organisations also complained to the police.
Al Qiyadah was founded by Haji Salam, later known as Ahmad Moshaddeq several years ago in Bogor, West Java.
It first surfaced in 2000 and has rapidly grown to count some 4000 followers across Java and Sumatra.
On July 23, Ahmad Moshaddeq claimed to be a prophet. He said he had the revelation after he spent 40 days and nights in meditation at Mount Bunder, Bogor, West Java.
The sect believes that praying once a day is sufficient for Muslims and also calls for a revision of the current interpretations of the Koran.
The police have seized evidence among other things four books written by Mushaddeq, recordings and pictures on the sect’s teachings.
• Original title: Arrest of seven ‘dangerous’ Muslims