In Indonesia, a Muslim fundamentalist organization, the Islamic Defenders Front, held a prayer service late Wednesday for Osama bin Laden. The head of the country’s highest Islamic body expressed approval for the peaceful prayer service, but also support for the U.S. military action that killed the al-Qaida leader.

Ahmad Shobri Lubis, the secretary general of the Islamic Defenders Front, praised the slain al-Qaida leader for standing up against American power. He says bin Laden is a symbol of Muslim resistance to what he calls American hegemony in the world.

Although the prayer service was overflowing with hundreds of the group’s supporters, their extremist views represent only a very small minority within Indonesia.

Amidhan, the chairman of the Indonesia Ulema Council, the country’s highest Islamic body, represents a more mainstream view of bin Laden. He says bin Laden is not a Muslim leader, because he killed with acts of terrorism and Islam’s way is peaceful.

Indonesia has also suffered from terrorist attacks from groups affiliated with al Qaida or influenced by bin Laden’s ideology. One such group, Jemaah Islamiyah, was involved in several attacks in the last decade, including the 2002 Bali bombing that killed over 200 people.

Amidhan says most Indonesian Muslims support the U.S. right to track down and even kill the man who orchestrated the September 11, 2001 terror attacks that killed close to 3,000 people. But he is concerned with news that bin Laden’s body was buried at sea, without what he called a proper Muslim burial. He said could incite retribution from extremist elements.

He says it could create the impression of throwing animals into the sea and that could increase anger and terrorism in the world.

Amidhan says that although the killing of bin Laden might incite those already pre-disposed to hate America, it will have little negative effect on the vast majority of the country.

Tauheed means Oneness of Allah. Every Muslim child when is born hear these first words in his ears that Allah is One. Later on in his growing years, the concept of Unity of Allah Subhana Wa Tallah is revealed to him or her by the teachings and recitation of Kalim Shahadah.

Muslim child keeps on reciting, memorizing Arabic phrases for building his faith in the oneness of Allah. During the course of his growth and involvement in worldly affairs, the clear concept becomes delusional and erased.

Muslims are not supposed to bow in front of any being or object but Allah. It is part of their faith to believe that only Allah SUbhan wa Tallah is the Supreme Being and holds the power to give benefit or detriment. Yet by the time, the Muslim child grows up and becomes a functional part of the society the shahada or witness becomes verbal. The real meanings are lost and unclear.

The faith and Imaan fades away along with the fulfillment of needs, career making and so on. The teachings and books would always be there but the person remains unblessed and devoid of faith. What remains is a so-called Muslim. The so-called Muslim is a weak person who is a slave of his desires, a prisoner in the land of his own fears and guilt.

The weakness in faith or imaan begins with non-realization of Allah. He might be praying five times a day but his ibadah or worship becomes an act of showing others and proof of his piety. There is strong, significant part society plays as well, and the education he receives at school or college from his teachers. Islam is taught only as a subject and there is no availability of any such instructor or teacher who can help him get the real meanings of shahadah – of being a real Muslim – of believing in One Allah – of awareness and realization of his self.

His separation from the real ilm or knowledge leads him towards darkness of heart and soul. Islam is not merely an act or verbal acceptance of oneness of Allah but it has so much more related to it.

It is the philosophy of life and a Muslim is bound to live by the codes of conducts mentioned in the Holy Quran. It is not merely to learn a few prayers in Arabic but there is immense need to understand their translation and meanings. Instead of memorizing the translation of prayers, from Arabic to their native languages, there is need to understand the real meanings and implementation. It involves lot of courage to believe in what you say and do accordingly.

“Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illa Allah Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammad Rasulu Allah”

It means to testify and accept that Allah is one and no one but Allah is there who can sustain and give benefits. When a person testifies shahada it is not merely just a phrase. It is the submission to Allah Almighty and acceptance of His Holy Prophet Muhammad SAAS. The Muslim man or woman submits their desire over the desire of Allah. They give words to Allah Subhana wa Tallah that they will shape their lives according to the will of Allah and by accepting Muhammad SAAS as His messenger they admit that they will follow the ways of Rasool Allah SAAS.