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Istiqlal's Idul Fitri sermon reminds public of patriotism
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (third left) talks with Vice President Jusuf Kalla (third right) after attending a prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on the first day of Idul Fitri, June 25. (Antara/Puspa Perwitasari)
P
rominent cleric Quraish Shihab delivered the Idul Fitri sermon at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Sunday, addressing the masses about the importance of nationalism and patriotism as values equal to their belief in God.
Patriotism, Quraish said, was a "natural tendency of human beings" and was a "manifestation of faith." He also told them that Indonesia was a "priceless blessing from God Almighty."
"That's why faith is very related to patriotism," Quraish said as quoted by kompas.com.
He also called on the masses to use Idul Fitri to foster unity among the "people of Indonesia" and to "hoist the flag of peace in our beloved homeland and all over the world."
Luminaries attending the prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque, which lies across from the Jakarta Cathedral, included President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Coordinating Politics, Law and Security Minister Wiranto and People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Zulkifli Hasan. (mos/tas)
