For Muslims, the shoe is considered an unclean item, and that's why it was regarded as a great affront to Islam when a brand of flip-flops was found to have Allah's name apparently printed on its sole.
Habib M. Iskandar Alkadri, a spokesman for the Islam Defenders Front, also known as the FPI in Indonesia, immediately condemned the act when informed of the discovery, according to WND. He called on the Indonesian government to do something to remove the insulting act on the sandals.
"FPI West Kalimantan urged the government and relevant agencies in this regard... to act decisively, by taking concrete steps. This is related to the abuse of Islam," Alkadri told the Tribune Pontianak on Wednesday.
Alkadri said the government must act now before the "blasphemous" sandals make its way to other markets, where it will probably cause more pandemonium.
"It must be addressed immediately, traced and withdrawn from the market. We as community organisations can only make a non-formal appeal. The government can issue rules, but they must be executed firmly," he stressed.
It is unclear whether or not the flip-flop makers intended to have Allah's name on the show sole, but the FPI spokesman said that businesses need to be more sensitive to the concerns of religious groups.
"Never again let there be abuse like this," Alkadri said. "We must maintain the comfort and safety of religion."
Muslims consider the shoes as "dirty" because they come in contact with the ground. Moreover, Muslims view the feet as the lowest part of the human body. Before entering a mosque, it is imperative that Muslims remove their shoes first. Even when they are praying elsewhere, the shoes must always be removed.
At the same time, Muslims considers it a great insult when people cross their knees or display the sole of their shoes while talking to each other.
