Ramadhan in retrospect<\/p>\n
With the setting of the last Ramadhan sun today comes the end
\nof the fasting month, when Moslems had to subdue inner storms of
\nbiological and emotional demands while practicing virtues of
\npatience and social solidarity.<\/p>\n
Many Moslems spent the last month gathering at mosques in the
\nevenings to take part in special prayer services and to glorify
\nthe name of Allah. Tomorrow marks the first day of Idul Fitri and
\na time for those who have successfully passed the month-long
\ntrial to rejoice.<\/p>\n
The way in which Moslems perform their religious duties has
\nchanged with political and social conditions. The first editorial
\nabout Ramadhan in this column, in 1983, spoke about the Jakarta
\nmilitary command's promise to not censor sermons delivered by
\npreachers at Idul Fitri services.<\/p>\n
The relationship between Moslems and the state was then marked
\nby conflict and suspicion. But since 1990, the situation has
\nimproved significantly. Now we see a greater spirit of
\nreligiosity, and more members of the ruling elite speaking about
\nIslam and attending tarawih evening prayer services.<\/p>\n
Ramadhan this year has seen more ceremonies held to break the
\nday's fast, more religious TV talk shows and more public figures
\nspeaking on Islam -- all of which move our nation toward the full
\nblessing of the Almighty.<\/p>\n
However, we will fall short of our spiritual aims if the same
\nvalues are not applied to daily life.<\/p>\n
This year's Ramadhan was a month full of tragedies. Some 338
\npeople were killed in the Gurita ferry disaster off the coast of
\nBanda Aceh just before the beginning of Ramadhan, floods have
\nkilled dozens of people in Jakarta and Riau, a plane killed 15 in
\nBandung and at least 10 people were killed in Saturday's
\nearthquake in Irian Jaya. Much of this, according to a number of
\ninfluential scholars including Amien Rais, could have been
\nprevented if people led a healthier religious life.<\/p>\n
Such an explanation, however plausible, absolves a number of
\nirresponsible officials who ultimately should be held
\naccountable.<\/p>\n
Numerous cases of corruption were revealed this holy month.
\nThe Supreme Audit Agency reported that several ministries have
\nnot followed up or acted on the agency's investigations into the
\nstate-owned companies under their supervision. Tens of billions
\nof rupiah remain unaccounted for. The revelations bolster the
\nfindings of certain international organizations, which have
\nlabeled Indonesia the most corrupt country in the world.<\/p>\n
How could this have happened to a nation of 190 million
\nreligious believers? Ramadhan is not just a month of ceremonies
\nand services. It has a deeper meaning and importance for those
\nwho care to learn. And only those who have practiced what they've
\npreached can actually rejoice tomorrow.<\/p>",
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