Muslims to start fasting on Sunday<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Ramadhan fasting month will begin on Sunday,
\nMinister of Religious Affairs Malik Fadjar announced on Friday.<\/p>\n
Following a meeting of mathematics experts and representatives
\nfrom major Muslim organizations, the ministry issued decree No.
\n654\/Dec. 18, 1998 which said that the first day of Ramadhan of
\nthe year 1419 Hijr falls on Dec. 20.<\/p>\n
Among the organizations represented were the Indonesian
\nCouncil of Ulemas, Nahdlatul Ulama, and Muhammadiyah. Another
\nmajor organization, the Islamic Propagation Council, was also
\nrepresented and agreed with the outcome of the meeting.<\/p>\n
The council in the past regularly differed with the majority
\nof Islamic organizations regarding the start and end of Ramadhan,
\nbut even more often regarding the date for Idul Adha -- another
\nIslamic holy day which marks the peak of the haj rite in Saudi
\nArabia.<\/p>\n
Council leader Hussein Umar said differences were
\nunderstandable since the determination of those dates was based
\non both mathematical calculations and the sighting of the new
\nmoon.<\/p>\n
\"We'll start Ramadhan on the same day with the other
\norganizations this year,\" he said. \"It's so much better to start
\nand end something together.\"<\/p>\n
Malik also expressed his happiness because of the agreement.
\n\"Last year, there were differences in the calculations, but
\nthat's all normal,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Malik called for Muslims to make Ramadhan a month of
\nrepentance. \"The fasting month is the right time to (work to)
\nfree this nation from the crisis ... Let's all go back to the way
\nof truth and humanity.\"<\/p>\n
He called on Muslims to be more sensitive of other people.
\n\"The use of loudspeakers during Adzan (calls for prayer) or
\npreaching, for instance... don't be too loud,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Commenting on possible street rallies during the fasting
\nmonth, Malik said that in this reform era all parties must learn
\nto tolerate one another.<\/p>\n
\"Expressing opinions does not always have to be done through
\ndemonstrations. Let's talk things out, dialog is important.<\/p>\n
\"If they (students) insist on rallying on the streets, please
\ndo it in an orderly manner. Don't get involved in physical
\nclashes,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The chairman of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) Ali Yafie
\ncalled for unity.<\/p>\n
\"Tolerance among religious people is essential. I am calling
\non Muslims to respect other people and avoid violence,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"I am not saying that students should not demonstrate, but
\nwhen possible, replace the protests with prayers. This country
\nneeds much prayer in order to survive the crisis.\" (edt\/swe)<\/p>",
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