My last word<\/p>\n
Thank you, Ina Sumarsono (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 27, 1995),
\nfor a glimpse of Ramadhan observance in times past, as well as
\nyour current liturgy on this occasion.<\/p>\n
Your letter substantiates my earlier, simple, statement that
\nthe English word \"fasting\" is insufficient to translate the true
\nmeaning of puasa. At no point, in this letter, do you describe to
\nyour compassionate activities during Ramadhan as \"fasting,\" as
\nindeed they are not.<\/p>\n
I fear that my original comments have been misconstrued by
\nsome readers who seek to defend an aspect of their religion they
\nperceive as under my attack. I wish to clarify, for all the
\nworld, my thoughts are strictly limited to the semantics
\ninvolved. My household diligently observes the religious rites of
\npuasa during Ramadhan but, there is very little meaning of the
\nword \"fasting\" involved.<\/p>\n
I am very sorry that you find cynicism in my, genuinely,
\ninnocent question of the reports of increase in food consumption
\nduring the \"fasting\" month. That was not intended. It is however,
\na somewhat comical question (to first language English speakers)
\nwho are trying to relate the word \"fasting\" to what appears to be
\n\"night feasting.\" Your last sentence...., \"It's not that some
\npeople eat more, but that more people eat some\" (more?), is an
\neloquent summation of the issue.<\/p>\n
All life has some element of humor, even in the darkest
\nmoments. I would rather choke on a big bite of steak, at
\nnoontime, during Ramadhan, than offend any one of my many
\nIndonesian friends who exercise their right to practice their
\nreligion as they believe. Praise God!<\/p>\n
LINK LUCKETT<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/my-last-word-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }