Minister of Religious Affairs to Make 10 Muharram a 'Lebaran' for Orphans and Disabled

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar will make every 10th of Muharram a momentum for the Lebaran Anak Yatim (Orphans’ Lebaran) celebration, focused on helping orphans and disabled groups to be free from various life difficulties. “We will create a kind of new tradition in Indonesia, every 10th of Muharram, we commemorate it by freeing orphans and disabled groups from suffering,” said Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in Jakarta on Thursday. The Minister’s statement was delivered during the Lebaran Anak Yatim and Persons with Disabilities event, as part of the Peaceful Muharam Programme which has been held since 1 Muharram and will continue for the next month. Minister Nasaruddin explained that the idea is expected to become a positive new tradition in Indonesia by making Muharram a momentum for social care for people in need. According to him, the public has been more familiar with the practice of fasting during the month of Muharram. However, the spirit of sharing and caring for orphans also needs to be strengthened as part of the commemoration of this glorified month. He said the commemoration of 10 Muharram in Indonesia has a different character compared to several other countries. In Indonesia, the commemoration is directed towards social and humanitarian activities that provide direct benefits to the community. The Minister hopes the Lebaran Anak Yatim commemoration can develop into a national agenda capable of expanding the reach of assistance for orphans and underprivileged families. “If this can become an important event, then all our poor and orphaned children will be increasingly helped and freed from various life difficulties,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar. “Let us love religion by loving orphans and disabled groups. Who will pay attention to them if not us,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar. He added that Muharram is a month that is synonymous with peace and compassion. In Islamic tradition, Muharram is a glorified month, making it the right momentum to strengthen social solidarity. “During the time of the Prophet, no warfare was allowed in the month of Muharram, that is why it is called haram, right? A day of compassion,” said Minister Nasaruddin Umar.