Ustaz Derry Sulaiman has affirmed that the revocation of Richard Lee's mualaf certificate does not affect his Islamic status. He stated that no one can cancel the faith of someone who has recited the shahada. Richard Lee responded calmly via Instagram.
The revocation of Richard Lee's mualaf certificate by Hanny Kristianto of Mualaf Center Indonesia (MCI) has drawn public attention. Hanny stated the action is administrative and unrelated to the validity of one's Islamic status. Reasons include Richard's ID card still listing him as Catholic and allegations of him resuming church worship.
Ustaz Derry Sulaiman, who guided Richard's conversion process, clarified via an Instagram video on May 5, 2026. "I don't know if it was revoked or not," he said. After checking with MCI, he confirmed, 'I have no right to cancel someone's Islam,' and indeed no human can say 'You are not Muslim' if the person professes Islam and recites the shahada."
Richard Lee responded through his Instagram admin on May 3, 2026. "We appreciate every process and decision. For us, faith is a personal journey between human and God, not just a label or document," it stated. He affirmed remaining focused on positive values and self-improvement.
Derry emphasized honoring new converts still learning the faith. He said he continues regular contact with Richard and confirms his faith holds. In the comments on Richard's Instagram, Derry wrote, "Bismillah I testify Dr. Richard is a Muslim. No human can cancel someone's Islam."
