A time of renewal

The end of Ramadhan is upon us. After a month of fasting, Muslims across Indonesia and around the world will celebrate Idul Fitri.

Despite the solemn nature of the event, Idul Fitri is also a joyous occasion. One of festivity and merriment. For most Muslims, Idul Fitri is the most celebrated time of the year.

During the fasting month, Muslims were reminded of the value of self-control. To control their personal worldly desires so as to develop a sense of solidarity with those who are burdened by suffering all year long. Hence the requirement of giving alms, zakat, at the end of Ramadhan.

Both fasting and almsgiving are part of the five pillars of faith of the Muslim religion.

In this country, the socio-cultural aspect of Idul Fitri has perhaps taken on even greater significance than the religious meaning.

Various cultural symbolisms have inseparably attached themselves to Lebaran, the local word for the Idul Fitri holiday.

The first is that of the homecoming, popularly referred to here as mudik. Millions of people across the archipelago take great pains to complete their journeys to their hometowns to be with their parents and extended family for Idul Fitri. This homecoming is the highlight of the year for most. A time to renew family ties and restore their indigenous identity.

The symbolic value of this journey home is perhaps irrational to many people outside Indonesia.

The second is the need to acquire new material goods, especially clothes. This is an indigenous version of the Western- Christian tradition of gift-giving at Christmas.

And the third, as mentioned earlier, is that of almsgiving. The essence of these practices is the sense of renewal felt by Muslims after a month of personal sacrifice. An annual "second chance" to make good on life. The new clothes and homage to one's elders are part of the physical sense of being reborn.

Idul Fitri is not about a declaration of religious piety. It is a good spirited communal event that infuses a sense of brotherhood.

Like the pruning of roses leads to even more blooms in the future, Idul Fitri represents the new blossoming of life after the "cutbacks" willingly endured during the month of Ramadhan.

Life would be perfect if the essence of Idul Fitri was taken as seriously as the ritual traditions related to it. Beyond the holiday week, many often return to their usual insensitive and materialist ways, until 11 months later Ramadhan comes around again and piety is in season once more.

No matter how unlikely, it is our hope that the spirit imbued by Ramadhan and Idul Fitri will be sustained. Goodness transcends all religions, hence the real meaning of Idul Fitri as something we can all comprehend irrespective of our faith.

This nation needs the kind of spirit that can generate peace, brotherhood and generosity. With so many needy, and hatred becoming the norm rather than the exception, a reminder of humanity is always welcome.

Idul Fitri also marks the beginning of a long series of major religious celebrations. Unfortunately, this also signifies a season full of anxiety. A militant, misguided few exploit this period to sow destruction. The serial church bombings of 2000 and many other incidents of heinous violence are still fresh in our minds.

Therefore apart from renewing our generosity during the Idul Fitri period, it is also a time to be vigilant. We would urge all God-fearing Indonesians not to be goaded by acts of religious provocation.