Yudhoyono calls on Muslims to restore Islam`s greatness

Pangkal Pinang (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all Muslims in Indonesia to strive to restore the greatness of Islam so that it would really be a "blessing for the universe."

Speaking at a gathering at Tuatunu Grand Mosque to observe Isra Mi`raj (the Prophet Muhammad`s ascension) here on Thursday evening, the President noted when Islam reached the height of its glory in the past, the sciences also underwent rapid development.

"History has recorded that technology and science developed rapidly when the glory of Islam reached its pinnacle, and therefore, from now on, we should try to restore that glory," Yudhoyono said.

He said as the world`s most populous Muslim country, Indonesia should be able to make significant contributions to the world`s development and prosperity.

Therefore, the president expressed hope that Muslims in Indonesia would excel in technology and science as well as religious faith and service.

"If we lag behind in science and technology, we will become dependent on other nations, live in bondage and be left out from world affairs," Yudhoyono said.

The Prophet Muhammad`s ascension, according to the president, was preceded by the purification of the heart as the beginning of change.

"It is a transformation before we start a big task. As a great country, we have to take a lesson from the prophet`s ascension by purifying our hearts and minds if we want to be a great and dignified nation," the president said.

He called to mind it took the Prophet Muhammad 23 years to bring about social transformation for his people and to build a civil society.

The function at the Tuatunu Grand Mosque was attended by thousands of people, including Surabya Institute of Technology (ITS) lecturer Abdullah Sahab who gave a sermon on the occasion.

Source