TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Leader of hardliner Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Rizieq Shihab did not return to attend the 19th anniversary of his organization.
However, he only sent a voice recording which were played to FPI mass in Kamal Stadium, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, on Saturday (19/8).
In the small part of the recording Rizieq explained the reason of his departure form Indonesia. He brought up the concept of hijrah (migration to seek sanctuary, refuge).
"Remember, hijrah is not hiding. hijrah is not running,” he said, in the recording.
“But, hijrah is to protect oneself, hijrah is to save a country, and hijrah is to arrange a strategy."
Rizieq claimed that hijrah is part of holy deeds and it is of high worth in Islam.
"See you in our beloved homeland," Rizieq concluded his speech. He did not mention a particular date on his return.
SUSENO | MUHAMMAD NAFI
