Time to promote tolerance<\/p>\n
The holy month of Ramadhan is back again -- time for Muslims
\nthe world over to contemplate and purify their spirits.<\/p>\n
The fasting month of Ramadhan is always eagerly awaited by
\nMuslims, who believe that the month of self-sacrifice and
\nabstinence is the best time to review the past year.<\/p>\n
In recent years, Ramadhan has become more significant for
\nMuslims, who have been living with the shadow of terror, which,
\nunfortunately, has been linked to Islam.<\/p>\n
Here at home, the Bali bombings have been found to be linked
\nto Muslims, not to mention several other bombings across the
\ncountry. The Sept. 11 tragedies in the United States were also
\nlinked to Muslims.<\/p>\n
Now that Ramadhan is here, Muslims should be wiser, engage in
\nintrospection and be more broad-minded in responding to what goes
\non around them.<\/p>\n
The recent explanation given by Indonesian Muslim leaders to
\nvisiting U.S. President George W. Bush -- that Islam was not
\nsynonymous with terror -- is the best example of how Muslims
\nshould behave against terror-related allegations.<\/p>\n
It must be obvious to anyone that a few Muslims groups do not
\nrepresent the global Muslim community, despite the spirit of
\nbrotherhood encouraged among Muslims. Overreacting against the
\nfallacy that Islam equals terrorism is unnecessary.<\/p>\n
The need for self-restraint should also be impressed upon
\npeople, especially Muslims, living in the restive province of
\nAceh, where killing has become commonplace. Thus, the proposal to
\nboth Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian Military to
\nobserve a ceasefire during the fasting month is understandable.
\nHowever, that does not mean killing can resume after the fasting
\nmonth, because a ceasefire that lasts for ever -- and to stop
\nkilling -- is best for all.<\/p>\n
For many people, Ramadhan also means a time of firecrackers,
\nwhich are more terrifying and dangerous than amusing. We hope
\nthat all will respect those decrees prohibiting the sale and use
\nof firecrackers, and that law enforcement be upheld.<\/p>\n
In big cities, such as Jakarta, the coming of Ramadhan is a
\nsign for a temporary halt in the night life business. Provincial
\nadministrations usually issue decrees to limit the operation hour
\nof entertainment establishments such as karaoke halls, bars and
\nnight clubs, as well as massage parlors and cafes.<\/p>\n
The temporary ban is meant to stop establishments that
\nprovides a temptation for sexual activities and the consumption
\nof alcoholic beverages, as such haram activities must be stopped
\nduring Ramadhan.<\/p>\n
However, it must sound ridiculous to many that, on the other
\nhand, the authorities allow alcohol to be sold and drunk, and
\nbordellos to remain open -- although this is against the law --
\nduring the rest of the year.<\/p>\n
Such moves simply indicate the authorities' double-standards
\nin enforcing the law and upholding Islamic teachings.<\/p>\n
The other significant point to be observed by Muslims during
\nRamadhan is tolerance, as was taught by the Prophet Muhammad.<\/p>\n
Physically, fasting is to suffer hunger and thirst. The
\npurpose of this experience is to develop an empathy towards the
\npoor, who find it difficult to scrape together their daily meals.<\/p>\n
The same empathy should also be directed toward those who have
\nbecome homeless, following the evictions carried out by the
\nJakarta administration.<\/p>\n
Finally, this process of self-purification will lead to Idul
\nFitri, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadhan, when Muslims
\nare reborn as immaculate and pure human beings.<\/p>\n
We ask that all people of all faiths respect the fasting
\nmonth. Muslims should also respect the rights of those who do not
\nfast, while urging their brothers and sisters to set a good
\nexample in observing the holy month.<\/p>\n
In the end, it is this kind of mutual tolerance, self-
\nrestraint and empathy that will encourage pluralism -- whether
\nreligious, ethnic, cultural or otherwise -- and so cleanse all
\nour hearts of the evil, hatred and fear of the past year.<\/p>\n
Marhaban ya Ramadhan<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/time-to-promote-tolerance-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }