The Ramadhan spirit

The Ramadhan spirit

Ramadhan, which begins in Indonesia today (Wednesday), could
not have come at a more opportune time. Being the Islamic holy
month, and given that Islam is the dominant religion in
Indonesia, Ramadhan is always a good time for our nation to
contemplate its future.

The Oct. 12 bomb attacks in Bali has shocked us as a nation.
It has shaken our long held belief that ours is, by and large, a
peaceful country shielded from terrorist attacks. The horrific
tragedy has awakened the nation, particularly the government, to
finally respond to the challenges that the threat of terrorism is
posing. It has forced us to review the way we govern this
country, and on the way we conduct our relations with other
nations and countries.

Islam has been put in the spotlight in the current war on
terrorism, for two main reasons.

First, radical groups that use Islam as their banners, or
their leaders, have been accused of being part of a wider
international terrorist network. While there is no evidence to
support these accusations so far, the fact that these groups
publicly endorse the use of violence to achieve their goals must
disturb the conscience.

Secondly and perhaps more importantly, Islam inevitably plays
a pivotal role in the nationwide campaign against terror, because
it is the dominant religion. The mainstream Islamic
organizations, which we know always preach tolerance and
moderation, therefore, hold the key to the success of the
campaign.

The future of this nation -- from the safety of the people,
the territorial integrity of our country, the peaceful
coexistence of the different religious communities, to the
prosperity of the country -- to a large extent depends on how the
Muslim community, and its leaders, rise to the challenge.

The Ramadhan month therefore is a good opportunity for all of
us, but for Muslims in particular, to contemplate, and to seek
His guidance on the proper response and courses of action to
take. May the Ramadhan spirit guide us to the right path.