Idul Fitri reflections

Idul Fitri has arrived again, and as usual, it is a time to rejoice and to contemplate, as well as a time for self- reflection. Coming at the end of Ramadhan, Idul Fitri caps the holy month during which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking, and restrain from indulging in earthly pleasures, such as sexual relations, from dawn to dusk. It is a spiritual exercise to bring one's emotions under control, and to elevate one's self spiritually. Ramadhan is a time to say a lot of prayers.

Fasting, restraining oneself and praying are part of the ritual that, practiced properly, will bring one closer to God. For many people, particularly those who feel they have passed the test, Idul Fitri is greeted with joy. And what better way of marking this "victory" than by celebrating it with loved ones.

Idul Fitri is also a time to be charitable and to forgive as well as to ask for forgiveness. Zakat fitrah (the alms Muslims must give to the needy at the end of Ramadhan) symbolizes the care toward those who are far less fortunate. It is a reminder of our obligation to our community. The traditional Indonesian Idul Fitri greeting, Maaf Lahir dan Batin (to give and ask for complete forgiveness), underpins the need to forge a stronger brotherhood, not only within our own immediate circles, but also within our community, the nation and the world. The prayer to be conducted en masse in open fields or at mosques on the morning of Idul Fitri day is another reminder of our place in a community and, therefore, of the need to forge a strong sense of belonging in the community we live in.

So while Idul Fitri marks a personal achievement in the endeavor to reach a higher spiritual existence during Ramadhan, it should have a strong impact on the life of our community. Looking around us, especially at the violence that has continued in various parts of Indonesia and the seemingly endless bickering among the nation's leaders, one gets the feeling that all the wisdom that Ramadhan and Idul Fitri should have brought has failed to truly prevail in this country.

In the last few months, including these past four weeks of Ramadhan, we have witnessed some of the bloodiest conflicts seen in this country for a long time. The nation's leaders seem helpless as violence in Aceh and in south and north Maluku cause more deaths and destruction. There have been smaller, but equally tragic incidents elsewhere in the country, including the attack on the Doulos Christian complex in Jakarta last month and the recent killing spree of Muslim teachers in Malang, East Java.

In some of these conflicts, it was unfortunate, and very dangerous too, that religious banners were used to justify the attacks. In Maluku, what began as a row between a passenger and a bus conductor nearly 12 months ago has escalated into a sectarian war pitting Muslims against Christians. There is no doubt that neither religions, whose real message is peace for all mankind, condones the violence being carried out on its behalf by either followers. What these conflicts mean, however, is that many Christians and Muslims in Maluku could not share the joy of last month's Christmas or this week's Idul Fitri as brought to their brethren elsewhere in the world. They celebrated these two events in fear for their lives, or in squalid refugee camps.

As we rejoice Idul Fitri tomorrow, we must spare our thoughts for those who are far less fortunate than ourselves, particularly Muslims and Christians in Maluku and those who live in fear in Aceh. Our thoughts must also go to those who are still struggling after their lives were devastated by the economic crisis.

While the condition around us should not dampen our spirit, this is an Idul Fitri which we want to celebrate solemnly. During our prayers, we should pray for the well-being of our fellow countrymen whose lives have been destroyed, and for our leaders, upon whose shoulders lie the challenging task of ending the violence and suffering of our people.