Ma'ruf Amin: Ramadan Builds the Economic Solidarity of the Ummah

Islam does not only build ritual piety, but also social piety. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The 13th Vice President of Indonesia, K.H. Ma’ruf Amin, while serving as the imam for Eid al-Fitr prayers 1447 Hijriah at Jakarta City Hall on Saturday, stated that Ramadan is a moment for building the economic solidarity of the ummah. “Respected audience, Ramadan does not only build spirituality; Ramadan also builds the economic solidarity of the ummah,” said Ma’ruf Amin. This is evident in the fulfilment of zakat and the distribution of infaq during the holy month for Muslims. “In this one month, we have seen zakat fulfilled, infaq mobilised, and sadaqah distributed. This shows that Islam does not only build ritual piety, but also social piety,” stated the prominent figure of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). Furthermore, Ma’ruf Amin also highlighted the role of silaturahmi as a weaver of differences in national life. “Our nation’s life is a pluralistic one. There are many ethnic groups, many cultures, many backgrounds. If differences are not managed well, they can become conflict; but if differences are woven with silaturahmi, they become harmony in life like a symphony,” he explained. “The violin is not the same as the piano, the drum is not the same as the flute, but when played together, beautiful music is born. So too with our societal life. Differences are not to be opposed, but to be united in harmony. That is what is called the symphony of victory,” said Ma’ruf. According to him, silaturahmi gives birth to trust, trust gives birth to cooperation, and cooperation gives birth to progress. “Justice is the foundation of civilisation, but justice will not be born if society is divided,” Ma’ruf concluded. Ma’ruf Amin served as the khatib for Eid prayers in the courtyard of Jakarta City Hall on Saturday morning. At the location, Eid prayers began at 06.30 WIB, and Ma’ruf Amin started his sermon around 06.50 WIB. Ma’ruf Amin wore all-white attire and delivered the sermon until 07.11 WIB. Meanwhile, around 2,000 congregants filled the courtyard of Jakarta City Hall to perform Eid prayers. Several principal officials of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, from Governor Pramono Anung, Deputy Governor Rano Karno, Regional Secretary Uus Kuswanto, to several former officials, attended the moment of gratitude for the completion of Ramadan worship. After delivering his sermon, Ma’ruf Amin, along with DKI Provincial Government officials, engaged in silaturahmi with the prayer congregants.