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A Happy Idul Fitri
Indonesian Muslims will celebrate Idul Fitri, which marks the completion of the month-long fasting ritual of Ramadhan this weekend
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span>Indonesian Muslims will celebrate Idul Fitri, which marks the completion of the month-long fasting ritual of Ramadhan this weekend. As part of tradition, there will be prayers and rituals in praise of Allah, feasts, fireworks and, most importantly, a rare opportunity for people to catch up with extended family and friends. Also part of the tradition, many Indonesians will travel across the country’s archipelagic regions on the annual mudik (exodus) in order to be able to celebrate the festivity in their home villages.
There are several expressions that Muslims here commonly use to congratulate and pray for fellow Muslims completing the month-long ritual. Most people would say in Arabic Minal aidin wal faidzin (Pray to Allah that we are among those returned to purity and victory) or in simple Indonesian Maaf lahir batin (Forgive me physically and spiritually). There are also Muslims who say Taqobbalallahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept my and your deeds) as an expression of gratitude for completing the Ramadhan fast.
It is within the spirit of asking forgiveness for ones’ sins and simultaneously forgiving the sins of others that Idul Fitri is celebrated by Muslims and non-Muslims alike in Indonesia.
Muslims form a majority in Indonesia, about 85 percent of the whole population. As a majority, Indonesian Muslims must be able to create feelings of security and peace for fellow Indonesians of minority groups. In essence, Muslims should not create fear and anxiety among others whose religious beliefs are different from theirs.
Also as a majority, Indonesian Muslims must be at the forefront in promoting a spirit of tolerance and coexistence among Indonesians of all stripes. In daily life, Indonesian Muslims should always offer a hand among religious believers in order to strengthen the values of tolerance. They also must be the first ones to stand up for and protect the rights of not only fellow Muslims but also those of other religions.
Such behavior is extremely important in curbing the influence of radicalism and extremism, a phenomenon that has caused increasing concern — and also fear — among the general Indonesian public.
Last but not least is for Indonesian Muslims to
amplify this message of tolerance and pluralism in the country and be the ones to promote moderate Islam as a solution to fight all forms of violence, radicalism and intolerance.
Or as popularly introduced by Prophet Muhammad and echoed by subsequent Muslim propagators and leaders, it is Muslims themselves who should push for the establishment of a conducive situation in realizing Islam as rahmatan lil alamin [a blessing for the universe].
As we celebrate our victory after a full month of fasting, let us spare a moment to pray for the millions of people who are far less unfortunate than ourselves, in this country and in many other parts of the world.
On that note, in the best of Indonesian tradition, we wish all our readers Selamat Idul Fitri, maaf lahir batin.
