News
NU calls on Muslims to celebrate idul fitri simply, modestly
Ahad, 5 September 2010 | 21:05 WIB
Jakarta, NU Online
General chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), KH Said Aqil Siradj recently called on Indonesian Muslims to celebrate Idul Fitri next week without ostentatious displays of spending, and instead celebrate modestly.
Muslims should focus on helping the less fortunate in the community, he told those attending an NU-organized event to break the fast.<<>br />
"According to Islam, the essence of Idul Fitri is not substantiated by new material things but by an effort to bring one's self closer to God," he said.
Siradj also called on Indonesian Muslims to strengthen and maintain brotherhood by visiting family members, relatives, and friends.
"This tradition is necessary to create peaceful and caring lives, and also enables us to get rid of social disintegration and the spirit of individualism," he said. "Solidarity among Muslims and among Indonesians as one nation is highly recommended."
"With these efforts, our national integrity will become strong and Indonesia will be a peaceful and secure nation," he said.
The date of Idul Fitri is calculated using lunar sightings, and according to the government's calendar, the festivities will fall on September 10.
Idul Fitri is celebrated by Muslims around the world after fasting during Ramadan. It has become a tradition in Indonesia for Muslim families to buy new clothes and spend heavily to celebrate the holiday.
Fasting Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, have sexual relations, or think impure thoughts from dawn until sunset. (dar)
General chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), KH Said Aqil Siradj recently called on Indonesian Muslims to celebrate Idul Fitri next week without ostentatious displays of spending, and instead celebrate modestly.
Muslims should focus on helping the less fortunate in the community, he told those attending an NU-organized event to break the fast.<<>br />
"According to Islam, the essence of Idul Fitri is not substantiated by new material things but by an effort to bring one's self closer to God," he said.
Siradj also called on Indonesian Muslims to strengthen and maintain brotherhood by visiting family members, relatives, and friends.
"This tradition is necessary to create peaceful and caring lives, and also enables us to get rid of social disintegration and the spirit of individualism," he said. "Solidarity among Muslims and among Indonesians as one nation is highly recommended."
"With these efforts, our national integrity will become strong and Indonesia will be a peaceful and secure nation," he said.
The date of Idul Fitri is calculated using lunar sightings, and according to the government's calendar, the festivities will fall on September 10.
Idul Fitri is celebrated by Muslims around the world after fasting during Ramadan. It has become a tradition in Indonesia for Muslim families to buy new clothes and spend heavily to celebrate the holiday.
Fasting Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, have sexual relations, or think impure thoughts from dawn until sunset. (dar)
