Introspection on haj affairs<\/p>\n
The some 29,974 would-be haj pilgrims who will fail to perform
\ntheir religious obligation in the holy land during the 2004 haj
\nseason, will certainly be greatly disappointed.<\/p>\n
But if the obligation to perform the haj pilgrimage in the
\nholy land was a personal affair alone, these people would not
\nfeel such deep disappointment.<\/p>\n
The haj pilgrimage is a noble deed to most Indonesian Muslims,
\nas it lifts their social status a little higher than that of
\nothers.<\/p>\n
Thus, failure to depart for the holy land frustrates those who
\nhad enlisted to do so.<\/p>\n
Consequently, Religious Affairs Minister Said Agil Husin al-
\nMunawar has been criticized by various parties who have said he
\nmust take responsibility for those who fail to reach the holy
\nland in 2004.<\/p>\n
Indeed, some circles have responded emotionally to haj issues,
\nbut as human beings, we have to be cool and be wise in facing
\nevery problem, for better or for worse, because we know that \"a
\nman's heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps\".<\/p>\n
With no intention to defend the government, we say that the
\npostponement of the would-be haj pilgrims' departure for the holy
\nland was beyond the responsibility and authority of the religious
\naffairs minister.<\/p>\n
Also, we should realize that the reduction of the haj quota
\nwas determined by the Saudi Arabian government, -- not only for
\nIndonesia but for other countries as well -- on the grounds of
\ninternational terrorist threats.<\/p>\n
Would-be haj pilgrims should not be emotional in responding to
\nthis issue. Instead, they should return it to the mighty hands of
\nGod, who might have other plans for them.<\/p>\n
They should realize that their failure to go to next year's
\nhaj pilgrimage might be a blessing in disguise.<\/p>\n
-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/introspection-on-haj-affairs-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }