Muslims asked to help build brighter future<\/p>\n
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post\/Jakarta<\/p>\n
It has been a tough year for the country from natural disasters
\nto currency crises to outbreaks of polio and bird flu.<\/p>\n
But a common theme of Idul Fitri sermons across the capital on
\nThursday was taking a positive outlook on life amid the daunting
\nchallenges the country faces.<\/p>\n
State Islamic University of Malang (UIN) rector Imam
\nSuprayogo, who gave his sermon at Istiqlal Grand Mosque in
\nCentral Jakarta, called on the congregation to make the
\ncelebration the \"momentum to rebuild the country for a brighter
\nfuture\".<\/p>\n
\"Learning from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad -- and with a
\nbetter understanding of the many problems faced by the nation --
\nwe have to see them (the problems) as tests from God, for us to
\nbring about a more peaceful and prosperous Indonesia,\" Imam told
\nthe crowd of more than 50,000 people.<\/p>\n
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vice President Jusuf
\nKalla, House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono, former
\nvice president Hamzah Haz and other officials and foreign
\ndiplomats were also present at the mosque.<\/p>\n
Imam said that to see a problem as a test of faith was a
\npositive experience that taught good values.<\/p>\n
\"A full month of fasting should arouse within our souls strong
\noptimism, which will stamp out the excessive pessimism among the
\npeople over the fate of our country,\" Imam said.<\/p>\n
The Idul Fitri celebrations, according to him, should
\nencourage solidarity and self-sacrifice among ordinary people.<\/p>\n
Similarly, lecturer with state Islamic University Syarief
\nHidayatulah Jakarta Shobahussurur said Muslims should see the
\nvictorious occasion of Idul Fitri as a time for \"recouping their
\ntrue image as God's creatures, who are basically united in their
\nstruggle\".<\/p>\n
Shobhussurur addressed the devastation of the Dec. 26 tsunami,
\nmalnutrition and the fear of further outbreaks of bird flu in the
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
\"At Idul Fitri, we can not only better understand our
\nweaknesses, but reflect on our achievements in helping our
\nbrothers who are in need and suffering,\" he told the congregation
\nat Al-Azhar Mosque in South Jakarta.<\/p>\n
At At-Tin Mosque at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta,
\nthe Idul Fitri prayer attended by thousands of Muslims was led by
\nM. Syaifuddin.<\/p>\n
Syaifuddin called on the congregations to bring peace to the
\ntroubled country.<\/p>\n
\"You should not be easily carried away by rumors that could
\nlead to division,\" he was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.<\/p>\n
The mosque was built by former president Soeharto in 1997 in
\nmemory of his deceased wife Tien Soeharto.<\/p>",
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