This Ramadhan ideal time to practice what we preach

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.