Ramadhan in retrospect
Ramadhan in retrospect
With the setting of the last Ramadhan sun today comes the end of the fasting month, when Moslems had to subdue inner storms of biological and emotional demands while practicing virtues of patience and social solidarity.
Many Moslems spent the last month gathering at mosques in the evenings to take part in special prayer services and to glorify the name of Allah. Tomorrow marks the first day of Idul Fitri and a time for those who have successfully passed the month-long trial to rejoice.
The way in which Moslems perform their religious duties has changed with political and social conditions. The first editorial about Ramadhan in this column, in 1983, spoke about the Jakarta military command's promise to not censor sermons delivered by preachers at Idul Fitri services.
The relationship between Moslems and the state was then marked by conflict and suspicion. But since 1990, the situation has improved significantly. Now we see a greater spirit of religiosity, and more members of the ruling elite speaking about Islam and attending tarawih evening prayer services.
Ramadhan this year has seen more ceremonies held to break the day's fast, more religious TV talk shows and more public figures speaking on Islam -- all of which move our nation toward the full blessing of the Almighty.
However, we will fall short of our spiritual aims if the same values are not applied to daily life.
This year's Ramadhan was a month full of tragedies. Some 338 people were killed in the Gurita ferry disaster off the coast of Banda Aceh just before the beginning of Ramadhan, floods have killed dozens of people in Jakarta and Riau, a plane killed 15 in Bandung and at least 10 people were killed in Saturday's earthquake in Irian Jaya. Much of this, according to a number of influential scholars including Amien Rais, could have been prevented if people led a healthier religious life.
Such an explanation, however plausible, absolves a number of irresponsible officials who ultimately should be held accountable.
Numerous cases of corruption were revealed this holy month. The Supreme Audit Agency reported that several ministries have not followed up or acted on the agency's investigations into the state-owned companies under their supervision. Tens of billions of rupiah remain unaccounted for. The revelations bolster the findings of certain international organizations, which have labeled Indonesia the most corrupt country in the world.
How could this have happened to a nation of 190 million religious believers? Ramadhan is not just a month of ceremonies and services. It has a deeper meaning and importance for those who care to learn. And only those who have practiced what they've preached can actually rejoice tomorrow.