A time of renewal
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.