Idul Fitri: An Occasion to Nurture Diversity

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Thousands of Muslims pray Idul Fitri 1444 Hijri at the Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta, Saturday (22/4/2023).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – On this Idul Fitri 1444 Hijri, self-improvement is expected of the public to themselves and strengthen solidarity and unity. This holiday must be an occasion to increase social interaction as well as the quality of ukhuwah (brotherhood) among the people and across the nation amid their differences. The challenges to national solidarity are significant, no less because Indonesia is entering a political year leading to the 2024 general election.

Several state officials, Muslim intellectuals, and religious figures have conveyed this message on various occasions.

"After a month of fasting, we can celebrate Idul Fitri and visit our families, parents, and relatives. This year is the first mudik [exodus] without the PPKM [public activity restrictions] after three years of the [Covid-19] pandemic. Certainly, there will be a significant increase in people's movements. Therefore, I urge all of you to be careful when going home and also during the return trip. Happy Idul Fitri," President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said in a video message uploaded to the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel on Friday (21/4/2023)."

In another clip, Jokowi conveyed both an outward and inward apology. "May our deeds and worship during the month of Ramadan be accepted by Allah SWT," he said.

Also read:

> The Conqueror of Idols of Lust

Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nashir stated that the ukhuwah, or unity among fellow Muslims, and the nation must be built on the value of authentic ukhuwah. Every human being has a common faith and human unity that God has given so they can unite in other beliefs and diversities.

Haedar stated that differences shouldn’t hinder people from uniting. However, unity is not synonymous with singularity. The test of ukhuwah actually occurs when there are differences, so as to eliminate blame, slander, quarrels, and hostility towards each other.

"The challenge of unity, or ukhuwah, must be transformed collectively into positive energy to advance the people and the nation," Haedar said on Sunday, 23 April. He added that Idul Fitri should be a moment to improve the quality of ukhuwah among the people and the nation, despite the differences. “All parties should become more mature in handling differences."

KOMPAS/YUNIADHI AGUNG

President Joko Widodo takes a photo with residents after the Idul Fitri prayer at the Sheik Zayed Great Mosque, Surakarta, Central Java, Saturday (22/4/2023).

Nahdlatul Ulama chairwoman Alissa Wahid stated on the same day that it was important for society to understand that everyone should not only get used to differences, but also strengthen unity.

"Gus Dur once said [that] because we are Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means 'unity in diversity', what is different shouldn’t be made the same, and what is the same shouldn’t be made different. Differences, for example during Idul Fitri, should be celebrated. The same goes for differences in views of the leadership candidates. The more different and diverse, the more it should strengthen unity," said Alissa.

She added that the political year would be a big challenge, especially if the narratives that emerge were linked to religion. In order to maintain public solidarity in the face of the threat of divisiveness on entering the political year, she expressed her hope that political figures would refrain from justifying using any means necessary to win power.

Also read:

> Celebrations of Spirituality Graduation

Muslim intellectual Husein Ja'far Al Hadar, better known as Habib Ja'far, believes that the moment of unrestricted social interaction, which becomes more meaningful during Idul Fitri 1444 H, must be preserved so it is as strong as possible. The challenge to national solidarity will once again be tested during next year’s political year leading up to the 2024 elections.

"At the end of 2023, there will be many challenges that will disrupt or even tear apart our solidarity as fellow citizens. We must prepare for this with the momentum of strengthening during Idul Fitri, as this is the last Idul Fitri before 2024," said Habib Ja'far, who was contacted from Jakarta on Sunday, 23 April.

Everyone should be optimistic and critical of the identity politics that divided the nation in previous elections. Democracy is about tolerating differences, including political views.

At the end of 2023, there will be many challenges that will disrupt or even tear apart our solidarity as fellow citizens.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin reminded us to continue the good deeds that were done throughout the month of Ramadan until after Idul Fitri in 1444 H. Fasting, which should train humans to restrain hunger, thirst, and desires and to care more for the poor, needs to be continued.

"Welcoming Idul Fitri should be done with reverence, solemnity, while maintaining order, brotherhood, and unity, avoiding excessive behavior, and staying away from things that can cause hostility," Vice President Ma’ruf said at the online National Takbir Akbar event and Idul Fitri 1444 H message on Friday, 21 April. (NIN/WKM/Z02/Z04/Z05/Z06)

This article was translated by Tenggara Strategics.