Moslems to pray for an end to crisis

TANGERANG (JP): At least 4,000 Moslems are expected to join the seven days of all-night prayers, which begin tonight, at Al- Istiqna Mosque here.

They will also be calling on Allah to save Indonesia from the economic crisis gripping the nation, the mosque spokesman, Saifuddin, told a 3,000-strong congregation at Friday prayers yesterday.

"Our 4,000 Moslem brothers and sisters have already confirmed they will be coming and we hope that many more will come as we've prepared meals for Saur (the Ramadhan predawn meal) for 5,000 people," Saifuddin said.

The praying and recital of verses in the 5,000-capacity mosque -- located in the huge Islamic Village complex in Karawaci, 23 kilometers west of Jakarta -- is to start after Taraweh (the Ramadhan evening prayer) at 9.30 p.m. and last until Subuh (the morning prayer) at 4.25 a.m.

Many Moslem leaders believe that the Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) occurs during the last days of Ramadhan.

Moslems believe that requests made to God on that night will be granted and the holy Koran says that worshiping Allah on that night is better than worshiping Him for a thousand months.

"Thus, we intend to use this special occasion to worship Allah so He can save this country and its people from further serious problems following the rupiah's unbelievable drop in value," Saifuddin said.

During the Friday prayers, Islamic Village founder K.H. Junan Helmy Nasution invited more Moslem families -- including those from Jakarta -- to participate in the mass prayers.

"Let's ask, hope and pray that Allah will offer His hands to rescue this country.

"Oh Lord, please... please... save us from this misery which has been provoked by greedy and selfish individuals," he said. (bsr)