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