'Maintain holiness of Ramadhan'

JAKARTA (JP): The rector of the state Islamic Institute Syarif Hidayatullah, Quraisy Shihab called on Moslems Friday to refrain from doing anything that could spoil Ramadhan's sacredness.

Moslems must be able to avoid doing anything which could lead to misunderstanding, conflict or violence, Shihab said when asked about the meaning of fasting in relation to recent violence.

"All people deserve a peaceful life during the fasting month of Ramadhan," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

"People, especially Moslems, must be able to refrain from doing anything destructive," he said. "If somebody insults you while you're fasting, then you must not do anything to counter it."

Such a suggestion was one principle of fasting in a bid to create unity and peace among a society. (sur)