Time to promote tolerance

The holy month of Ramadhan is back again -- time for Muslims the world over to contemplate and purify their spirits.

The fasting month of Ramadhan is always eagerly awaited by Muslims, who believe that the month of self-sacrifice and abstinence is the best time to review the past year.

In recent years, Ramadhan has become more significant for Muslims, who have been living with the shadow of terror, which, unfortunately, has been linked to Islam.

Here at home, the Bali bombings have been found to be linked to Muslims, not to mention several other bombings across the country. The Sept. 11 tragedies in the United States were also linked to Muslims.

Now that Ramadhan is here, Muslims should be wiser, engage in introspection and be more broad-minded in responding to what goes on around them.

The recent explanation given by Indonesian Muslim leaders to visiting U.S. President George W. Bush -- that Islam was not synonymous with terror -- is the best example of how Muslims should behave against terror-related allegations.

It must be obvious to anyone that a few Muslims groups do not represent the global Muslim community, despite the spirit of brotherhood encouraged among Muslims. Overreacting against the fallacy that Islam equals terrorism is unnecessary.

The need for self-restraint should also be impressed upon people, especially Muslims, living in the restive province of Aceh, where killing has become commonplace. Thus, the proposal to both Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian Military to observe a ceasefire during the fasting month is understandable. However, that does not mean killing can resume after the fasting month, because a ceasefire that lasts for ever -- and to stop killing -- is best for all.

For many people, Ramadhan also means a time of firecrackers, which are more terrifying and dangerous than amusing. We hope that all will respect those decrees prohibiting the sale and use of firecrackers, and that law enforcement be upheld.

In big cities, such as Jakarta, the coming of Ramadhan is a sign for a temporary halt in the night life business. Provincial administrations usually issue decrees to limit the operation hour of entertainment establishments such as karaoke halls, bars and night clubs, as well as massage parlors and cafes.

The temporary ban is meant to stop establishments that provides a temptation for sexual activities and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as such haram activities must be stopped during Ramadhan.

However, it must sound ridiculous to many that, on the other hand, the authorities allow alcohol to be sold and drunk, and bordellos to remain open -- although this is against the law -- during the rest of the year.

Such moves simply indicate the authorities' double-standards in enforcing the law and upholding Islamic teachings.

The other significant point to be observed by Muslims during Ramadhan is tolerance, as was taught by the Prophet Muhammad.

Physically, fasting is to suffer hunger and thirst. The purpose of this experience is to develop an empathy towards the poor, who find it difficult to scrape together their daily meals.

The same empathy should also be directed toward those who have become homeless, following the evictions carried out by the Jakarta administration.

Finally, this process of self-purification will lead to Idul Fitri, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadhan, when Muslims are reborn as immaculate and pure human beings.

We ask that all people of all faiths respect the fasting month. Muslims should also respect the rights of those who do not fast, while urging their brothers and sisters to set a good example in observing the holy month.

In the end, it is this kind of mutual tolerance, self- restraint and empathy that will encourage pluralism -- whether religious, ethnic, cultural or otherwise -- and so cleanse all our hearts of the evil, hatred and fear of the past year.

Marhaban ya Ramadhan