Entertainment and Ramadhan

Entertainment and Ramadhan

Every time the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan approaches,
there are pros and cons regarding the need to close entertainment
venues during this month. Therefore, those in favor and against
the closure of nightspots during the fasting month should
consider the following in order that a win-win solution may be
arrived at and the result incorporated in a stipulation of the
regional administration;
1. There must be a clear definition of what entertainment may be
categorized as being (sexually) immoral and forbidden in Islam.
Logically, these activities must not be carried out any time at
all and must be eradicated for good.
2. If, when performing our religious service of fasting, we,
Muslims, feel disturbed and tempted, wouldn't it be better to
have all restaurants, cafes and food stalls closed down and all
TV programs and entertainment stopped? (I wonder how foreign TV
broadcasts can be stopped.)
3. Is it fair and humane that our fasting activities cause other
people's loss of livelihood for a month while, in fact, they work
in places legally recognized by the government. Don't we sound
too selfish and too self-pathetic?
4. Performing a religious service is a very personal activity.
So, we have no right to encourage other people to imitate us.
Similarly, we have no right to prohibit other people from doing
things not in line with our deeds as long as they do not violate
the law.

Therefore, the Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) and the
regional administration must give a clear definition about the
matters referred to above so that relevant stipulations
regulating these matters may be laid down and enforced
consistently.

Last but not least, allow me to call on Islamic figures and
leaders of Islamic mass organizations, MUI in particular, to
enlighten fellow Muslims so that they will not focus on
ceremonial things only. Let's perform our religious service of
fasting without burdening other people as otherwise the value of
our sincerity in performing this religious service will lessen.

H. WISDARMANTO GS

Jakarta