Muslims to start fasting on Sunday
JAKARTA (JP): The Ramadhan fasting month will begin on Sunday, Minister of Religious Affairs Malik Fadjar announced on Friday.
Following a meeting of mathematics experts and representatives from major Muslim organizations, the ministry issued decree No. 654/Dec. 18, 1998 which said that the first day of Ramadhan of the year 1419 Hijr falls on Dec. 20.
Among the organizations represented were the Indonesian Council of Ulemas, Nahdlatul Ulama, and Muhammadiyah. Another major organization, the Islamic Propagation Council, was also represented and agreed with the outcome of the meeting.
The council in the past regularly differed with the majority of Islamic organizations regarding the start and end of Ramadhan, but even more often regarding the date for Idul Adha -- another Islamic holy day which marks the peak of the haj rite in Saudi Arabia.
Council leader Hussein Umar said differences were understandable since the determination of those dates was based on both mathematical calculations and the sighting of the new moon.
"We'll start Ramadhan on the same day with the other organizations this year," he said. "It's so much better to start and end something together."
Malik also expressed his happiness because of the agreement. "Last year, there were differences in the calculations, but that's all normal," he said.
Malik called for Muslims to make Ramadhan a month of repentance. "The fasting month is the right time to (work to) free this nation from the crisis ... Let's all go back to the way of truth and humanity."
He called on Muslims to be more sensitive of other people. "The use of loudspeakers during Adzan (calls for prayer) or preaching, for instance... don't be too loud," he said.
Commenting on possible street rallies during the fasting month, Malik said that in this reform era all parties must learn to tolerate one another.
"Expressing opinions does not always have to be done through demonstrations. Let's talk things out, dialog is important.
"If they (students) insist on rallying on the streets, please do it in an orderly manner. Don't get involved in physical clashes," he said.
The chairman of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) Ali Yafie called for unity.
"Tolerance among religious people is essential. I am calling on Muslims to respect other people and avoid violence," he said.
"I am not saying that students should not demonstrate, but when possible, replace the protests with prayers. This country needs much prayer in order to survive the crisis." (edt/swe)