The Ramadhan spirit<\/p>\n
Ramadhan, which begins in Indonesia today (Wednesday), could
\nnot have come at a more opportune time. Being the Islamic holy
\nmonth, and given that Islam is the dominant religion in
\nIndonesia, Ramadhan is always a good time for our nation to
\ncontemplate its future.<\/p>\n
The Oct. 12 bomb attacks in Bali has shocked us as a nation.
\nIt has shaken our long held belief that ours is, by and large, a
\npeaceful country shielded from terrorist attacks. The horrific
\ntragedy has awakened the nation, particularly the government, to
\nfinally respond to the challenges that the threat of terrorism is
\nposing. It has forced us to review the way we govern this
\ncountry, and on the way we conduct our relations with other
\nnations and countries.<\/p>\n
Islam has been put in the spotlight in the current war on
\nterrorism, for two main reasons.<\/p>\n
First, radical groups that use Islam as their banners, or
\ntheir leaders, have been accused of being part of a wider
\ninternational terrorist network. While there is no evidence to
\nsupport these accusations so far, the fact that these groups
\npublicly endorse the use of violence to achieve their goals must
\ndisturb the conscience.<\/p>\n
Secondly and perhaps more importantly, Islam inevitably plays
\na pivotal role in the nationwide campaign against terror, because
\nit is the dominant religion. The mainstream Islamic
\norganizations, which we know always preach tolerance and
\nmoderation, therefore, hold the key to the success of the
\ncampaign.<\/p>\n
The future of this nation -- from the safety of the people,
\nthe territorial integrity of our country, the peaceful
\ncoexistence of the different religious communities, to the
\nprosperity of the country -- to a large extent depends on how the
\nMuslim community, and its leaders, rise to the challenge.<\/p>\n
The Ramadhan month therefore is a good opportunity for all of
\nus, but for Muslims in particular, to contemplate, and to seek
\nHis guidance on the proper response and courses of action to
\ntake. May the Ramadhan spirit guide us to the right path.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-ramadhan-spirit-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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