Muslims asked to help build brighter future

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

It has been a tough year for the country from natural disasters to currency crises to outbreaks of polio and bird flu.

But a common theme of Idul Fitri sermons across the capital on Thursday was taking a positive outlook on life amid the daunting challenges the country faces.

State Islamic University of Malang (UIN) rector Imam Suprayogo, who gave his sermon at Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta, called on the congregation to make the celebration the "momentum to rebuild the country for a brighter future".

"Learning from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad -- and with a better understanding of the many problems faced by the nation -- we have to see them (the problems) as tests from God, for us to bring about a more peaceful and prosperous Indonesia," Imam told the crowd of more than 50,000 people.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vice President Jusuf Kalla, House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono, former vice president Hamzah Haz and other officials and foreign diplomats were also present at the mosque.

Imam said that to see a problem as a test of faith was a positive experience that taught good values.

"A full month of fasting should arouse within our souls strong optimism, which will stamp out the excessive pessimism among the people over the fate of our country," Imam said.

The Idul Fitri celebrations, according to him, should encourage solidarity and self-sacrifice among ordinary people.

Similarly, lecturer with state Islamic University Syarief Hidayatulah Jakarta Shobahussurur said Muslims should see the victorious occasion of Idul Fitri as a time for "recouping their true image as God's creatures, who are basically united in their struggle".

Shobhussurur addressed the devastation of the Dec. 26 tsunami, malnutrition and the fear of further outbreaks of bird flu in the country.

"At Idul Fitri, we can not only better understand our weaknesses, but reflect on our achievements in helping our brothers who are in need and suffering," he told the congregation at Al-Azhar Mosque in South Jakarta.

At At-Tin Mosque at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, the Idul Fitri prayer attended by thousands of Muslims was led by M. Syaifuddin.

Syaifuddin called on the congregations to bring peace to the troubled country.

"You should not be easily carried away by rumors that could lead to division," he was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.

The mosque was built by former president Soeharto in 1997 in memory of his deceased wife Tien Soeharto.