Ulama Urges Public to Safeguard Unity on 1 Muharram

Jakarta - The head of Hidayatussalam Islamic Boarding School in Bekasi, KH Hambali, has called on the public to make the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah a moment for national hijrah by strengthening unity, maintaining harmony, and fostering optimism about Indonesia’s future. “The momentum of 1 Muharram not only reminds us to migrate towards becoming better individuals, but also invites all the nation’s children to migrate towards an Indonesia that is stronger, more united, and more advanced,” KH Hambali said in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday. The message of unity and solidarity was delivered by KH Hambali during a communal prayer for the nation’s safety and a 1,000-torch parade held to welcome the Islamic New Year in Sukajadi Village, Bekasi, on Monday evening. According to him, the public needs to be wiser in addressing various issues circulating in the public sphere amidst the rapid flow of information and evolving social dynamics. “Indonesia is our shared home. Therefore, do not be easily provoked by information that is not necessarily true or by narratives that can divide our brotherhood,” he said. “Differences must become a strength to build the nation, not a reason for hostility,” he continued. KH Hambali stressed that maintaining unity is a shared responsibility of all elements of the nation, from religious leaders, community figures, youth, to the younger generation. “We must believe that what the leaders of this country, especially the government, are doing is good, so we are obliged to support the various national development efforts being undertaken by the government to realise an Indonesia that is stronger, more independent, and sovereign,” he said. “Criticism delivered objectively and responsibly is certainly necessary as a form of public participation. However, the spread of slander, hoaxes, and hate narratives that can damage national unity must be collectively rejected,” he stated. KH Hambali expressed hope that the spirit of hijrah contained in the Islamic New Year commemoration could become positive energy for the public to strengthen social awareness, the spirit of mutual cooperation, and love for the homeland. Through the communal prayer and 1,000-torch parade, he added, the community is invited to ignite a light of hope and strengthen national commitment amidst the various challenges facing Indonesia. “May 1 Muharram become a momentum to strengthen brotherhood, reinforce unity, and build shared optimism. With prayer, togetherness, and the collective work of all elements of the nation, we are confident that Indonesia will become more advanced, peaceful, and dignified,” said KH Hambali.