Couples of mixed marriages observe Ramadhan and Idul Fitri in unity<\/p>\n
Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Gathering with friends who face similar difficulties brings
\nrelief even if it is only one day out of the whole year.<\/p>\n
Ikhlas, an Australian who was given his Indonesian name by the
\nlate Buya Hamka -- a religious leader, prolific Islamic writer
\nand independence fighter -- when he married Indonesian Fatma in
\n1975, still cannot understand the red tape he has to go through
\nto retire and continue to live in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
A Muslim for almost 30 years now, Ikhlas has never missed a
\nsingle day of the fasting month and the local tradition of
\ncelebrating Idul Fitri although as with both he and his wife have
\nworked at the United Nations the couple spent most of their years
\ntogether in different countries with various differences in
\nfasting hours compared to the about 14 hours in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
\"At first it was difficult for Ikhlas to get used to waking up
\nearly before dawn to take the pre-dawn meal to begin the fast. He
\nalways said: `Why can't we eat at six?'.<\/p>\n
\"But whatever country we were working in, we always looked for
\nother Indonesian Muslims and broke the fast together. So, we
\nnever missed fasting,\" recalled Fatwa.<\/p>\n
Now as members of Srikandi, the group of mixed marriage
\ncouples in Jakarta, breaking the fast together last Friday was
\nalso an opportunity to keep members updated about the
\norganization's efforts over the past two years in lobbying the
\ngovernment to revise the laws on marriages, citizenship and
\nimmigration which limit their basic rights and those of their
\nchildren.<\/p>\n
The group members are also involved in social activities
\nduring the holy month of Ramadhan, together with other non-Muslim
\nmembers.<\/p>\n
\"In gatherings like this, or when we invite friends home to
\nchat, we also share knowledge about Islam,\" Fatma added.<\/p>\n
For Wayne, an American, and his wife Amaliya, raising their
\nchildren as devout Muslims is important.<\/p>\n
\"I want them to lead a guided life and to be in touch with
\ntheir inner selves,\" said Wayne, who converted to Islam in 1979
\nbefore marrying Amaliya in 1984.<\/p>\n
With their two daughters -- from Wayne's first marriage with
\nan American - and son, the family usually observes likuran on the
\nlast day of fasting to expand their understanding of sharia, and
\ncontinue to fast for several days in the Syawal month, after the
\nfirst day of Idul Fitri holiday, which falls on Nov. 3 this year.
\nThe family has also conducted umroh, the minor haj pilgrimage.<\/p>\n
Their two daughters were married to Jewish Americans in the
\ntraditional Indonesian way. Both are still Muslims and Wayne has
\nintroduced Islam to his five grandchildren.<\/p>\n
\"Even when we're apart, thanks to communication technology, we
\ncan still be together to observe Idul Fitri. I always chant adzan
\n(prayers) to my grandchildren through the telephone early in the
\nmorning of Idul Fitri,\" Wayne said.<\/p>\n
\"I am thankful for the power of God that has bound our family
\ntogether,\" he added.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/couples-of-mixed-marriages-observe-ramadhan-and-idul-fitri-in-unity-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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