The New Year of 1443 Hijri, which coincides with the month of Indonesia’s independence day, should be used as an opportunity to strengthen efforts to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
By
Cyprianus Anto Saptowalyono
·3 minutes read
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General Chairperson of the Nadlatul Ulama Executive Board Said Aqil Siradj (left side panel) at the Commemoration of 1 Muharram 1443 Hijriah, Istighotsah and Prayer to Reject Bala for the Safety of the Nation with Ulama, Monday (9/8/2021) night.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The migration of Prophet Muhammad SAW (peace be upon him), which marked the beginning of the Islamic Hijri year, was carried out on an awareness to build a new, better social order and civilization.
During the pandemic, the spirit of migration can be manifested by amplifying the efforts outwardly and inwardly to collectively fight Covid-19.
In his speech on the commemoration of the Islamic New Year on Monday evening (9/8/2021), President Joko Widodo said the threat of Covid-19 had forced all elements of the nation to change and make adjustments in various activities, including religious activities. The adjustments, he said, were part of compelling efforts in order to maintain mutual safety.
We must take this opportunity to amplify our outer and inner efforts in fighting the pandemic,
The Islamic New Year falls on 1 Muharram 1443 Hijri, this year coinciding with 10 August on the Gregorian calendar.
The event was highlighted with Istighosah [mass prayers] and Doa Tolak Bala [prayers to dispel calamity] for the safety of the nation with Muslim scholars.
The New Year of 1443 Hijri, which coincides with the month of Indonesia’s independence day, should be used as an opportunity to strengthen efforts to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. "We must take this opportunity to amplify our outer and inner efforts in fighting the pandemic," the President said.
As in the case of the Islamic historic milestone, in which the Prophet and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina motivated by the awareness about the need to create a better society, the adjustments during the pandemic should also be spurred on the awareness about the pressing need to build an adjusted lifestyle for the sake of a more useful and productive life.
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President Joko Widodo gave a speech at the Commemoration of the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1443 Hijriah, Istighotsah and Prayers for Rejecting Bala for the Safety of the Nation with Ulama, Monday (9/8/2021) night.
Muslims should comply with rules on wearing masks, social distancing and restricting mobility in daily life in the spirit of Hijri to help suppress the rate of Covid-19. Adherence to health protocols contributes significantly to the safety and health of all.
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) executive board chairman Said Aqil Siroj reminded that the Covid-19 pandemic had disrupted the balance of life, indicated by the increasing prevalence of social disorder, public distrust and mental disorders.
Said pointed out that the government’s measures as part of the national preparedness policy should be more oriented for the interest and sovereignty of the community.
A spirit of collectivity between the government, society, organizations, corporations and other stakeholders was urged in order to deal with the worsening crisis.
Vice President Ma\'ruf Amin appealed to the Muslim community to adopt the spirit of Hijri as an inspiration for Indonesia to become a strong and dignified developed nation. He said various efforts must be pursued for Indonesia to become a self-sustainable nation.
