TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has summoned Muslim preacher Abdul Somad today, August 21 to ask for clarification or tabayyun regarding his remarks on Christian cross in a sermon video that went viral on social media platforms. Several organizations have filed a lawsuit against the preacher for alleged blasphemy.

“We want to dig more information from him to know the details of the chronology to avoid making wrong decisions. So we’ll ask for clarification first to the related person, and inshallah he’s ready to meet us today at 15:00 in the MUI’s office,” said MUI deputy head Zainut Tauhid Sa’adi in a written message, Wednesday, August 21.

MUI, Zainut added, will position itself as a mediator in this case and hope the issue will be solved shortly.

“Therefore, MUI calls on all parties to be patient, remain calm, and not influenced or provoked by those who intend to create conflict between religious communities in the public,” he underlined.

Somad or commonly called UAS has become public limelight after a video of him commenting Christian cross during his sermon deemed insulting Christians. UAS was then reported to Jakarta Metro Police by the Horas Bangso Batak Community, Brigade Meo Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), and the Indonesian Christian Students Movement (GMKI).

In response to the issue, Abdul Somad clarified that his sermon took place three years ago, and it was a closed, internal event for the Muslim community. Besides, he made the remarks as an answer for one of the participants’ questions.

DEWI NURITA