REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Action to Defend Islam III (212 rally) was organized to be more than just a rally. The National Movement to Guard the Indonesian Council of Ulama's Fatwa (GNPF MUI) was still carrying the same aspiration, which is law enforcement against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) as suspect of alleged religious blasphemy. "The blasphemer should be arrested, detained, and brought to the court," advisor of GNPF Habib M Rizieq Syihab said during sermon before Friday prayer centered at National Monument (Monas), Jakarta on Friday (12/2).
On Thursday night, there were 2 million participants from other provinces arrived in Jakarta to join the super peaceful 212 rally. They gathered with Jakarta's residents since morning. At 08.00 am, the rally began with reciting the Quran, dhikr, and greet to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. After that, one by one, ulamas gave their advices related to Ahok's statement that insulted the Quran, specifically Surah Al Maidah verse 51.
When Friday prayer time came, the rain started to pour. It did not trigger the mass to dissolved. The sat on prayer mat and listen attentively to the sermon delivered by Habib Rizieq. The peak of rally is Friday prayer. "Alhamdulillah, Masya Allah (Thank God, My God)...Apparently, this is the most massive Friday prayer ever in world's history," ustaz Abdullah Gymnastiar remarked via his Instagram account.
More than 15.500 followers like his status and more than 400 people giving comment. "Counting by public transport that are used by the 212 rally participant, there were more than seven million people," Aawsnaa said.
"Monas feels like Makkah. I'm so touched. I saw it on TV," owner of mynameis_anin account said.