My last word

My last word

Thank you, Ina Sumarsono (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 27, 1995), for a glimpse of Ramadhan observance in times past, as well as your current liturgy on this occasion.

Your letter substantiates my earlier, simple, statement that the English word "fasting" is insufficient to translate the true meaning of puasa. At no point, in this letter, do you describe to your compassionate activities during Ramadhan as "fasting," as indeed they are not.

I fear that my original comments have been misconstrued by some readers who seek to defend an aspect of their religion they perceive as under my attack. I wish to clarify, for all the world, my thoughts are strictly limited to the semantics involved. My household diligently observes the religious rites of puasa during Ramadhan but, there is very little meaning of the word "fasting" involved.

I am very sorry that you find cynicism in my, genuinely, innocent question of the reports of increase in food consumption during the "fasting" month. That was not intended. It is however, a somewhat comical question (to first language English speakers) who are trying to relate the word "fasting" to what appears to be "night feasting." Your last sentence...., "It's not that some people eat more, but that more people eat some" (more?), is an eloquent summation of the issue.

All life has some element of humor, even in the darkest moments. I would rather choke on a big bite of steak, at noontime, during Ramadhan, than offend any one of my many Indonesian friends who exercise their right to practice their religion as they believe. Praise God!

LINK LUCKETT

Jakarta