Welcoming 1 Muharram, Ulama Urges Public to Maintain Unity and Harmony
Jakarta - The leader of Hidayatussalam Islamic Boarding School, KH Hambali, has invited the public to make the Islamic New Year of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah a means to strengthen unity, maintain harmony, and foster optimism for the nation’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,” Hambali said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
According to him, the public needs to be wise in responding to various information circulating in the public sphere amidst the rapid flow of information and evolving social dynamics. He assessed that the spread of hoaxes, slander, and provocative information has the potential to disrupt social harmony if not addressed critically and responsibly.
“Indonesia is our shared home. Therefore, do not be easily provoked by information that is not necessarily true or by narratives that can divide brotherhood. Differences must become a strength to build the nation, not a reason for mutual hostility,” he stated.
Kiai Hambali said that maintaining unity is a shared responsibility of all elements of the nation, from religious leaders, community figures, and youth to the younger generation. He also invited the public to support the various national development efforts being carried out by the government to realise a stronger, more independent, and sovereign Indonesia.
“We must believe that what the leaders of this country are doing, particularly the government, is good. Therefore, we are obliged to support the various national development efforts being undertaken by the government to realise a stronger, more independent, and sovereign Indonesia,” he said.
Nevertheless, he noted that support for the government does not mean closing off space for criticism in democratic life. According to him, criticism delivered objectively and responsibly remains necessary as a form of public participation, but the spread of slander, hoaxes, and hate narratives that have the potential to damage national unity must be collectively rejected.
Hambali expressed hope that the spirit of migration 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 communal prayers and a 1,000-torch parade held in Bekasi on Monday, the public was invited to ignite hope while strengthening 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 Hambali.