This Ramadhan ideal time to practice what we preach

By Lila Fitri Aly

JAKARTA (JP): Ramadhan this year brings about an uncommon moment for reflection.

We all know fasting is about self-control -- but would better self-control help us in this crisis?

Counting on millions of people as individuals to make a difference may seem impossible, but two Moslem scholars refer to at least two groups that could improve themselves collectively: those in power and the rest of us, consumers.

It is said that most Moslems here, to the lament of religious leaders, only practice the physical side of fasting.

"I'm not sure people will change their shopping habits (even in these hard times)," says Umar Shahab, one of several lecturers at the Paramadina Foundation for Islamic studies.

Each and every year people are advised to realize, as Umar says, that breaking the fast does not mean one should eat in overabundance.

The breaking of the fast is often seen as "revenge time" for a whole day of fasting. "Too much food is served and with more variety compared to every day life," says Umar, often due to the good intentions of the caring lady of the house.

But perhaps as the rupiah has taken a plunge, there may be hope that people who are just beginning to feel poor may be actually more considerate toward the real poor.

"While fasting, we must increase the quality of our good deeds," Umar says.

Dawam Rahardjo, who chairs the Institute of Religion and Philosophy (LSAF), says self control should rule the daily behavior of Moslems as consumers, producers and distributors.

Dawam, also an economist, thinks Ramadhan in today's crisis may help increase people's awareness to "try their best not to speculate on many aspects of life".

He says Moslems should reflect on why their annual rite of self-control has not helped much in entirely excluding them from the world's still-developing countries.

It would be useful, he notes, to extend self control to the management of budget allocation.

The crisis should also help curb power abuse, says Dawam. It might sound quite late, but he and Umar separately said Ramadhan would be a good time for a collective introspection, particularly among leaders.

Significant shifts in the economy and possibly in national leadership "all need self control to do it right and in a rational manner," says Dawam. Power abuse, leading to economic and political degradation, should no longer be allowed.

By referring to leaders, he says he includes those in political organizations or companies.

Umar says it might help leaders "to be honest with themselves," and realize that current developments cannot be separated from their roles in society. These hard times, he adds, could be "a warning from God".

In short, in Umar's words, a "national consensus" on self- control, at least, might be the right spirit for Ramadhan today.