Islamic housing estate

Islamic housing estate

From Media Indonesia

We were overwhelmed with pride when we read in a major
afternoon daily that a developer was going to construct a housing
estate with strong Islamic overtones, including the enforcement
of Islamic rules. The more so, since the estate in question is
wedged between two giant estates, Lippo Karawaci and Gading
Serpong. Even though only Moslems of a certain social level can
afford these houses, neighboring Moslems of the middle income
group who live at Perumnas Kelapa Dua rejoiced over this planned
estate.

However, there is something that is weighing on our minds. It
seems that we are not even allowed to share a small part of their
facilities. Of late, we were not even permitted to use the roads
to go to work or on our way home from the office (please note
that the alternative road, Jl. Raya Legok, is totally damaged and
unusable).

On the other hand, some residents of this exclusive housing
estate are using the traditional market facilities in our estate.

We regret that Islamic aspects were used to promote this
exclusive housing estate. They obviously failed to display
generosity, unlike the two other non-Islamic estates, which are
much larger and equipped with far better roads. Their roads are
open to everybody.

Even though we might not qualify as perfect Moslems yet, we
constantly remind ourselves to maintain goodwill with everybody.
Of course, our most important relationship is kept with the
Almighty.

We fear that non-Moslems might get the impression that
uncharitableness, such as in denying access to roads, is an
essential part of Islamic teachings.

We hope that the managements of the foundation and the housing
estate will open up their hearts.

ANTOR0

Tangerang, West Java