REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, CIMAHI -- Prominent preacher ustaz KH Arifin Ilham attended grand sermond to commemorate Islamic New Year 1440 Hegira at Cimahi Grand Mosque in West Java, Monday (Sept 10). He was greeted by thousands of worshipers.

After giving a lecture, ustaz Arifin conveyed his hope in the upcoming presidential election 2019. He expected trustworthy leaders would be elected.

However, he was reluctant to reveal his preference whether it was to incumbent President Joko Widodo who paired with Nahdlatul Ulama supreme leader KH Ma'ruf Amin or the pair candidates of opposition camp, Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno.

"Insya Allah (God willing), trustworthy leaders will be elected," he said on Monday.

Ustaz Arifin called on the people to maintain harmony despite differences. He urged the people to not insult each other due to different choice in presidential election.

"If you have different choice, do not insult each other, do not blaspheme each other, do not hate each other," he said.

Earlier, vice presidential candidate KH Ma’ruf Amin officially asked for blessing and support from members of Az-Zikra mosque's congregation. He conveyed his wish during a preach on Friday prayer (Sept 7).

“Incidentally I give preach here and I'm also a member of Az Zikra Sharia Council and ulema,” said Kiai Ma’ruf.

When being asked whether he would invite founder of Majlis Az-Zikra KH Arifin Ilham to be a part of his campaign team, Kiai Ma’ruf admitted that he did not dare to do it. He stressed that only hopes for prayer and blessing.

“I didn’t dare to invite (ustaz Arifin Ilham), but I hope for his blessing and prayer, but if possible his support,” Ma’ruf added.

Ustaz Arifin commented on Ma’ruf statement related to the support. He asserted, that during his talk with Kiai Ma’ruf, they did not talk much about politics.

“We didn’t talk about politics more, but polygamy,” Arifin joked.

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