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