Couples of mixed marriages observe Ramadhan and Idul Fitri in unity
Couples of mixed marriages observe Ramadhan and Idul Fitri in unity
Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Gathering with friends who face similar difficulties brings
relief even if it is only one day out of the whole year.
Ikhlas, an Australian who was given his Indonesian name by the
late Buya Hamka -- a religious leader, prolific Islamic writer
and independence fighter -- when he married Indonesian Fatma in
1975, still cannot understand the red tape he has to go through
to retire and continue to live in Indonesia.
A Muslim for almost 30 years now, Ikhlas has never missed a
single day of the fasting month and the local tradition of
celebrating Idul Fitri although as with both he and his wife have
worked at the United Nations the couple spent most of their years
together in different countries with various differences in
fasting hours compared to the about 14 hours in Indonesia.
"At first it was difficult for Ikhlas to get used to waking up
early before dawn to take the pre-dawn meal to begin the fast. He
always said: `Why can't we eat at six?'.
"But whatever country we were working in, we always looked for
other Indonesian Muslims and broke the fast together. So, we
never missed fasting," recalled Fatwa.
Now as members of Srikandi, the group of mixed marriage
couples in Jakarta, breaking the fast together last Friday was
also an opportunity to keep members updated about the
organization's efforts over the past two years in lobbying the
government to revise the laws on marriages, citizenship and
immigration which limit their basic rights and those of their
children.
The group members are also involved in social activities
during the holy month of Ramadhan, together with other non-Muslim
members.
"In gatherings like this, or when we invite friends home to
chat, we also share knowledge about Islam," Fatma added.
For Wayne, an American, and his wife Amaliya, raising their
children as devout Muslims is important.
"I want them to lead a guided life and to be in touch with
their inner selves," said Wayne, who converted to Islam in 1979
before marrying Amaliya in 1984.
With their two daughters -- from Wayne's first marriage with
an American - and son, the family usually observes likuran on the
last day of fasting to expand their understanding of sharia, and
continue to fast for several days in the Syawal month, after the
first day of Idul Fitri holiday, which falls on Nov. 3 this year.
The family has also conducted umroh, the minor haj pilgrimage.
Their two daughters were married to Jewish Americans in the
traditional Indonesian way. Both are still Muslims and Wayne has
introduced Islam to his five grandchildren.
"Even when we're apart, thanks to communication technology, we
can still be together to observe Idul Fitri. I always chant adzan
(prayers) to my grandchildren through the telephone early in the
morning of Idul Fitri," Wayne said.
"I am thankful for the power of God that has bound our family
together," he added.