Ramadhan holidays

Ramadhan holidays

From Republika

All Moslems look forward to Ramadhan, a month full of blessings. Aside from fulfilling the month long fast, charity in every form will be blessed by the Almighty. Many religious boarding schools will be established overnight, religious sermons will be given at dawn, contemplation sessions will be held in mosques by male devotees and religious tithes paid by affluent Moslems and various educative bodies will fund activities for young people in this month of absolution.

As a student, I would like to have a longer holiday. This is because other student friends and I like to contemplate (i'tikaf) at praying time, and usually join religious boarding schools too. If the holiday was extended, students from other regions (Lampung especially) would not have to rush home to pay homage to their parents.

According to the 1996/1997 school calendar, we are entitled to one holiday at the start of Ramadhan, two days before Idul Fitri and eight days thereafter. This holiday schedule would certainly interfere with the educative activities (akhlak especially), thereby cutting Ramadhan holidays short.

We wish to draw the attention of the Minister of Religion and other ministers to our plight, and we would appreciate their consideration of our request.

We also hope increased religious activities during Ramadhan will spur the establishment of Islamic schools which fosters strong spiritual development for the sake of the nation and religion.

AANG GUNAWAN

Lampung