Lake Placid
Along the shores of Mawang Lake in Gowa, South Sulawesi, resides the An-Nadzir community, which has been living there for the past 20 years. Their unique garb makes them difficult to miss. Dressed always in black, the men dye their hair blonde or red. The women are covered from head to toe and their ways of worship differ significantly from mainstream Muslims in Indonesia. This group believes the presence of An-Nadzir will augur the end of an era. Incredibly, this apparent religious difference has not triggered any conflict among other Muslims in the area, unlike in other parts of the country. It could be their conviction in hard work and mutual help that makes this group relevant and dependable to the surrounding communities. Tempo English Edition records the unique daily life of the An-Nadzir in South Sulawesi.
September 7, 2011
CLOTHED in black robes that extend to their ankles, dozens of men stood erect in lines with their eyes closed, their arms by their sides, pointing down. On their heads they wore turbans. Most had shoulder-length hair, tinted with hints of gold, brown or red. All were engrossed in performing their dzuhur congregational midday prayers in a large open field when we first encountered them one day in mid-August.
They make up the An-Nadzir congregation,
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