Pandora's Box must be opened

Pandora's Box must be opened

President Megawati, as cited in a news story in Kompas of Nov.
1, 2001, titled The capability of the Republic of Indonesia to
pay its debt is at an alarming level, said, "There are no short
cuts to overcome the multi-faceted crisis but what we need are
patience, hard work and courage to make difficult decisions."

If Ibu Mega wishes to pull the nation out of its crisis and
turn the people into an orderly, peaceful and prosperous
community, she should remember one of her own father's, Bung
Karno's, messages, namely: "Along with the basic principles of
the Republic of Indonesia (Pancasila), this nation must ascend to
become a big and strong country."

Islam explains why God has created the Islamic Five Pillars.
What are their respective goals? When will men be in heaven?
Muslims believe that all of our deeds, good or bad, will be noted
as if they were saved in a deposit box, where our sins become
debits and our good deeds credits. So, now the Indonesian
Muslims' savings must have soared. Who has the right to open the
box? The Prophet Muhammad, who is called the Satrio Piningit by
the Javanese.

Of course, many people won't believe this as the Prophet died
a long time ago. How will the Prophet be awakened? "The souls of
those who died in God's path are actually still alive." The
Prophet Muhammad's men also believe that Muhammad will be
awakened by God to judge his people. Why are Muslims chanting
Shalawat (a short prayer usually consisting of verses from the
Koran) if they themselves do not believe that Muhammad will
return? Please contemplate and think about it, as religion is for
those who ponder!

The Pandora's box, a source of many troubles, must be opened
for the sake of rescuing the nation. Of course, it must be opened
with the help of the people, particularly those who believe in
it.

DR. AGUS UTORO

Serang, Banten