Introspection on haj affairs

The some 29,974 would-be haj pilgrims who will fail to perform their religious obligation in the holy land during the 2004 haj season, will certainly be greatly disappointed.

But if the obligation to perform the haj pilgrimage in the holy land was a personal affair alone, these people would not feel such deep disappointment.

The haj pilgrimage is a noble deed to most Indonesian Muslims, as it lifts their social status a little higher than that of others.

Thus, failure to depart for the holy land frustrates those who had enlisted to do so.

Consequently, Religious Affairs Minister Said Agil Husin al- Munawar has been criticized by various parties who have said he must take responsibility for those who fail to reach the holy land in 2004.

Indeed, some circles have responded emotionally to haj issues, but as human beings, we have to be cool and be wise in facing every problem, for better or for worse, because we know that "a man's heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps".

With no intention to defend the government, we say that the postponement of the would-be haj pilgrims' departure for the holy land was beyond the responsibility and authority of the religious affairs minister.

Also, we should realize that the reduction of the haj quota was determined by the Saudi Arabian government, -- not only for Indonesia but for other countries as well -- on the grounds of international terrorist threats.

Would-be haj pilgrims should not be emotional in responding to this issue. Instead, they should return it to the mighty hands of God, who might have other plans for them.

They should realize that their failure to go to next year's haj pilgrimage might be a blessing in disguise.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta