'Maintain holiness of Ramadhan'

'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)