Minister of Basic and Secondary Education urges public to strengthen national brotherhood during Ramadhan
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti, has called on the public to achieve the blessings (fadilah) of Ramadhan by filling the days with various acts of worship and devotion, including strengthening national unity and brotherhood (ukhuwah wathaniyah).
“Ramadhan is a month containing many blessings. These blessings will be perfected when we fill them with various acts of worship and devotion in accordance with Islamic law. The atmosphere of fasting provides spiritual encouragement and mental strength to overcome various challenges and difficulties in life. We build harmony and unity, particularly Islamic brotherhood and also national unity or ukhuwah wathaniyah,” Mu’ti said in Jakarta on Friday.
He noted that an individual’s spirit of worship is greatly influenced by those around them, whether in the family or workplace.
Regarding the significance of Ramadhan as the month of the Quran (Syahrul Quran), Mu’ti explained two historical perspectives on the revelation of the Quran. Referring to Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 185, he emphasised that the Quran is not merely a text to be read, but a distinguisher between right (haq) and wrong (batil).
“The event of Nuzulul Quran on the 17th of Ramadhan is an important sign of Muhammad’s appointment as the Messenger of Allah. The tradition of Quran recitation (tadarus) that we practise was inspired by the Prophet who regularly recited the Quran together with (the angel) Gabriel. We (should) increase our reading of the Quran, particularly in terms of frequency rather than quantity,” he said.
He urged Muslims not merely to chase numerical targets in Quran reading, but instead to read the Quran with tartil, or slowly and carefully.
According to Mu’ti, reading the Quran with full reflection will bring guidance in daily life.
Additionally, Mu’ti discussed the social aspect of Ramadhan as the month of brotherhood (Syahrul Ukhuwah). He viewed Indonesia’s tradition of communal breaking of fasts (buka bersama) as a reflection of national harmony.
In his view, communal breaking of fasts often involves all layers of society, not only those who are fasting.
“Buka bersama demonstrates how the blessing of this act of worship (fasting) is celebrated by people of all faiths. The Prophet mentioned that those who fast experience two kinds of joy: the first when breaking the fast and the second when they meet Allah in the afterlife,” he said.
He stressed that the honour of Ramadhan, whilst already honoured by Allah, must also be filled with righteous deeds. The worship performed during Ramadhan, he continued, should be a momentum for every person to become a better individual.
Concluding his address, Mu’ti called on all worshippers to maximise their capacity for worship and charity. He urged that Ramadhan be used to strengthen national unity and cohesion.