Editorial: 'Mudik' and tolerance
The fasting month of Ramadhan will soon be over, and Islamic peoples all over the world reflect on the values of their religion as they prepare to celebrate Idul Fitri.
For most Jakartans, particularly Muslims, Idul Fitri is a special day set aside for reunions with relatives and old friends. Residents of the capital want nothing more than to be in their hometowns for the holiday and are prepared to pay extra for bus, train, plane or ferry tickets. From year to year, the mass departure of residents grows in number. It is a phenomenon locally called mudik. The Jakarta Transportation Agency estimates that some 2.5 million people will travel to their hometowns this year, 60 percent higher than last year's figure. Why are they so eager to 'mudik'?
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'Mudik' and tolerance
Opinion and Editorial - October 29, 2005
The fasting month of Ramadhan will soon be over, and Islamic peoples all over the world reflect on the values of their religion as they prepare to celebrate Idul Fitri.
For most Jakartans, particularly Muslims, Idul Fitri is a special day set aside for reunions with relatives and old friends.
Residents of the capital want nothing more than to be in their hometowns for the holiday and are prepared to pay extra for bus, train, plane or ferry tickets.
From year to year, the mass departure of residents grows in number. It is a phenomenon locally called mudik. The Jakarta Transportation Agency estimates that some 2.5 million people will travel to their hometowns this year, 60 percent higher than last year's figure.
While Islam does not explicitly recommend mudik, it encourages people to come together, to love and know one another, to forgive one another. Idul Fitri is a day for reflection, devotion, self-control and also a time to share joy and happiness.
For some, Idul Fitri is a chance to relax or break with routine. For others, it is a matter of pride. To arrive home laden with gifts is a sign of success, though spreading good deeds would perhaps be more fitting.
It is not uncommon for a year's savings to be spent on Idul Fitri. On presents -- including cash for relatives -- food and the journey home.
According to the transportation agency around 1.6 billion people will return home via train, bus or private car. And, as happens every year, the government is busy making infrastructure and security preparations.
As the annual exodus has proved unstoppable the government has no other choice but to improve roads and other services to ensure a safe and secure journey for all.
Mudik is the right of each and every person. However, considering their absence over a number of days, the matter of home security is worthy of attention.
Those going home by car or motorcycle (usually in large groups) must abide by the traffic regulations and respect other road users. That they return safely to their homes is more important than the speed of their journey. Life goes on after the festivities.
Celebrating holidays at home means big spending, and therefore, from an economic point of view mudik benefits the villages. While visitors' money rarely lasts until the end of the holiday, injecting cash into the villages improves the purchasing power of residents.
People should refrain, however, from buying unnecessary things. Good intention should be encouraged, including renouncing any feelings of superiority. They should guide the misled and assist the needy -- perhaps even their neighbors who cannot enjoy the festivities even in a modest way.
People have been experiencing hardships due to the increase in the prices of fuel and other commodities. Thus, it is somewhat indifferent to celebrate Idul Fitri in a joyous and prodigal way while thousands of people have been left disheartened after lining up for -- or missing out on -- cash aid distributed under a government scheme to offset the effects of the fuel price increases.
To live without discrimination or distinction is easier said than done. Just look at the members of the House of Representatives as they demand an additional monthly allowance of Rp 10 million (US$1,000) while the people struggle to make ends meet. Considering these bitter realities, Muslims must use Idul Fitri as a time to embrace the good aims of their religion and to set examples of tolerance, patience and justice as taught by Islam.
Wishing all our readers a peaceful and prosperous Idul Fitri.
Minal aidin walfaidzin.
Source: The Jakarta Post
For most Jakartans, particularly Muslims, Idul Fitri is a special day set aside for reunions with relatives and old friends. Residents of the capital want nothing more than to be in their hometowns for the holiday and are prepared to pay extra for bus, train, plane or ferry tickets. From year to year, the mass departure of residents grows in number. It is a phenomenon locally called mudik. The Jakarta Transportation Agency estimates that some 2.5 million people will travel to their hometowns this year, 60 percent higher than last year's figure. Why are they so eager to 'mudik'?
***
'Mudik' and tolerance
Opinion and Editorial - October 29, 2005
The fasting month of Ramadhan will soon be over, and Islamic peoples all over the world reflect on the values of their religion as they prepare to celebrate Idul Fitri.
For most Jakartans, particularly Muslims, Idul Fitri is a special day set aside for reunions with relatives and old friends.
Residents of the capital want nothing more than to be in their hometowns for the holiday and are prepared to pay extra for bus, train, plane or ferry tickets.
From year to year, the mass departure of residents grows in number. It is a phenomenon locally called mudik. The Jakarta Transportation Agency estimates that some 2.5 million people will travel to their hometowns this year, 60 percent higher than last year's figure.
While Islam does not explicitly recommend mudik, it encourages people to come together, to love and know one another, to forgive one another. Idul Fitri is a day for reflection, devotion, self-control and also a time to share joy and happiness.
For some, Idul Fitri is a chance to relax or break with routine. For others, it is a matter of pride. To arrive home laden with gifts is a sign of success, though spreading good deeds would perhaps be more fitting.
It is not uncommon for a year's savings to be spent on Idul Fitri. On presents -- including cash for relatives -- food and the journey home.
According to the transportation agency around 1.6 billion people will return home via train, bus or private car. And, as happens every year, the government is busy making infrastructure and security preparations.
As the annual exodus has proved unstoppable the government has no other choice but to improve roads and other services to ensure a safe and secure journey for all.
Mudik is the right of each and every person. However, considering their absence over a number of days, the matter of home security is worthy of attention.
Those going home by car or motorcycle (usually in large groups) must abide by the traffic regulations and respect other road users. That they return safely to their homes is more important than the speed of their journey. Life goes on after the festivities.
Celebrating holidays at home means big spending, and therefore, from an economic point of view mudik benefits the villages. While visitors' money rarely lasts until the end of the holiday, injecting cash into the villages improves the purchasing power of residents.
People should refrain, however, from buying unnecessary things. Good intention should be encouraged, including renouncing any feelings of superiority. They should guide the misled and assist the needy -- perhaps even their neighbors who cannot enjoy the festivities even in a modest way.
People have been experiencing hardships due to the increase in the prices of fuel and other commodities. Thus, it is somewhat indifferent to celebrate Idul Fitri in a joyous and prodigal way while thousands of people have been left disheartened after lining up for -- or missing out on -- cash aid distributed under a government scheme to offset the effects of the fuel price increases.
To live without discrimination or distinction is easier said than done. Just look at the members of the House of Representatives as they demand an additional monthly allowance of Rp 10 million (US$1,000) while the people struggle to make ends meet. Considering these bitter realities, Muslims must use Idul Fitri as a time to embrace the good aims of their religion and to set examples of tolerance, patience and justice as taught by Islam.
Wishing all our readers a peaceful and prosperous Idul Fitri.
Minal aidin walfaidzin.
Source: The Jakarta Post
Post by PUAN Amal Hayati SAQO Al-Jailani at
6:57 AM
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