Minister of Religious Affairs Emphasises the Importance of Upholding Ramadan Values After Eid al-Fitr

Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar has reminded the public to continue upholding and practising the values obtained during Ramadan in everyday life, especially after Eid al-Fitr. He emphasised that the success of observing the holy month is not only measured by the intensity of worship during Ramadan but also by the consistency of behaviour afterwards.

According to him, Ramadan serves as a momentum for character formation that strengthens various core values, such as honesty, justice, unity, and tolerance. These values, he said, must continue to be practised in social life.

“The most important thing is that the values of Ramadan must be ingrained in us. Honesty, justice, unity, tolerance, and other virtuous traits—do not let them relapse after Ramadan. These values must be ingrained in us,” said the Menag in his statement on Tuesday (24/3).

He assessed that a society capable of maintaining the spirit of Ramadan will contribute to creating a harmonious and productive national life. Such consistency, he continued, will produce individuals who bring coolness amidst society.

“If we follow the development of Ramadan, then we will become products of Ramadan that are very cool, very beautiful, bright, and enlightening,” he stated.

In addition, Nasaruddin also reminded the importance of maintaining national unity and avoiding short-term interests that could potentially damage social cohesion. He assessed that divisions among fellow citizens could weaken the foundations of the nation.

“I ask for unity and oneness. Do not let us be deceived by one short-term interest, then elbow each other among fellow citizens. That will weaken the joints of our nationhood,” he said.

In response to the issue of “national fitrah”, the Menag emphasised that individualism must be avoided because it can become a threat to unity.

“I think individualism should not nest in the hearts and minds of every child of the nation. This is what becomes the poison. If everyone prioritises themselves,” he said.

He further affirmed that Eid al-Fitr should be interpreted as a starting point for maintaining the continuity of Ramadan values, both in personal and social life, not merely an annual ceremonial celebration.