'Fasting in our hearts more important than physical fasting'

During the Ramadhan holy month, many offices in the city reduce their office hours to allow employees to perform the fast more solemnly. But a lot of people, especially those who rely on physical strength to do their job, have to work as long as usual, or even longer. How does fasting affect their productivity? Some of them talked to The Jakarta Post.

Naryo, 45, a bajaj (three-wheeled motorized taxi) driver for 20 years. He lives in a rented house on Jl. Bangka, South Jakarta, while his wife and four children live in Brebes, Central Java:

I am fasting as I believe that fasting is a religious obligation for me.

But I have to admit that I cannot work continuously as I normally do. I need one or two hours to rest, especially around midday. I can't stand the heat.

Honestly speaking, during the fast (from predawn until sundown), I get less income than on normal days. So, I have to work at night as well. I earn around Rp 30,000 a day. What's more, at night I don't need to fast and therefore I can keep on driving without taking a rest.

Narso, 24, a bricklayer for years in the city. He is a father of two children who lives with his wife in Purwodadi, Central Java:

I don't fast despite the fact that I'm Muslim. I don't think I could get the energy for my work every day if I were to fast.

I believe that the most important thing to keep in mind is that fasting is more than not eating and drinking. Well, it's good to learn to resist our hunger and thirst. But, in my opinion, fasting in our hearts, souls and minds is much more important than physical fasting.

I may not eat and drink for a day, but my heart and mind may be tainted by sinful intentions. So, what makes me good?

Frankly, I do it my own way for the same reasons -- to do good things. I have managed to learn that my heart and mind can perform fasting even though I eat and drink as usual.

Antok, 25, a construction worker in Bintaro, South Jakarta. He comes from Purwokerto, Central Java, where his wife and child live:

I am fasting as it is a religious obligation for Muslims. Most of my friends also do the same.

I'm trying my best because I'm aware that my work is really tough. You know it.

Well, I have to save my energy by having more frequent rests during the day. It doesn't affect my daily wage which is some Rp 25,000.

I think the boss will understand if I work at a slower pace than on normal days.

Regardless of the hardship, I must do the job to keep my family alive. It is need that forces me to do this job. I have to feed my wife and daughter in my home village.

Sadi, 50, a construction worker in South Jakarta. He comes from Blora, Central Java. His wife and four children live in Blora:

Fasting is just a matter of time. I mean, this is the fasting month. But, I don't do fasting.

I'm trying to be honest. If I perform fasting, how could I possibly get the energy to do this job? Of course, I wouldn't have the energy to lift up the buckets of mortar.

I can't stand the thirst on very hot days like today. I could die if I don't drink.

So, it's better for me to be able to work rather than fast but be unable to do my job well. How could I get money then?

Well, I don't perform fasting but I can earn enough money to celebrate Idul Fitri next month with my family in my hometown.

-- Leo Wahyudi S