Blogger Indonesia of the Week (83): Rima Fauzi

Rima Fauzi blogger of the week # 82World is beautiful, every normal and spirited being thinks so. The most salient feature of its beauty lies in the heterogeneity of its populace called human. The differences of our physical appearance,colors of our skin, our eyes and hairs. And on top of it all: the differences of our mindset, preference, leaning and way of thinking we attach to or led or want others to believe. Thus emerges various religions brought about by many prophets, school of thoughts introduced by many great philosophers. It’s natural therefore if every single religion and philosophical thoughts for or against any religion have their own followers. It also means that we have choices to choose to lead our life. Afterall, life is about choice and world gives us freedom to choose. Whatever you wanna be, just be it.
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Kosovo a Muslim State in Europe

Kosovo a Muslim State in EuropeFinally, people of Kosovo struggle to gain independent realised, thus becomes the only Muslim-majority nation in Europe. Despite its claim as embrcaing the “laid-back” version of Islam, some of its neighbors feel “unsafe”. Considering many factors, this pre-conceived notion is understandable.

That’s said, I think the existence of independent Kosovo is good to let European people in to more understanding towards Islam and that Muslims, many of them, just like any other who are busy to make a dissent living for themselves and their family. Every single Muslim represent a mozaic of Muslims as a whole, it’s NOT a homogeneous entity as one in other parts of the world might or is led to think.

Blogger Indonesia of the Week (80): Rob Baiton

Rob Baiton as Blogger Indonesia of the Week #80Frankly speaking, I dislike anonymous blogger or ghost blogger as I prefer to call it, particularly those who blog/write on such sensitive issues as politics and religion. Speaking of the latter topic without giving a clear name and identity, to me, does not represent a good intention, and thus credibility. A writer or a blogger who rigorously writes on those issues while hiding one’s true identity and name –such as the one behind indonesiamatters.com deserves our suspicion of having a hidden agenda. Specially when one is critical to certain  religion while generously flattering or defending another most of the time.
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Happy New Islamic Year 1429

Happy New Islamic Year 1429Happy New Islamic Year 1429 for all Muslim around the globe. Selamat Tahun Baru 1429 untuk Saudara-saudara Muslim di manapun berada. Wish you New year with new better heart.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, Muharram moves from year to year when compared with the Gregorian calendar. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. Some Muslims fast during these days. The tenth day of Muharram is called Yaumu-l ‘Ashurah, meaning, ‘the tenth day’, and it is a day of voluntary fasting.

Benazir Bhutto Assassinated

Benazir Bhutto AssassinatedPolitics can be very cruel sometimes. Especially in a place like Pakistan, a country where lethal weapons can be as much as cars and motor-bike combined in Jakarta. One of the “toy-gun” in Pakistan has killed Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister who now is running a campaign for the next election. Assassination attempt has become a common news in the country. The current military ruler President Parvez Musharraf has luckily escaped three such attempts.
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Idul Adha, Christmas and New Year 2008

Idul Adha, Christmas and New Year 2008

Eid al-Adha or Idul Adha (Arabic: id al-’Adha) is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, under the order of Allah. It is one of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from the Quran. … It is also called the “bigger” Eid because it is considered more important than Eid el-Fitr or Idul Fitri [1]

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Idul Fitri 2007

Hari Raya Lebaran Idul FitriMuhammadiyah Muslim organization–the second largest after Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has decided that the day of Idul Fitri or Eid ul-Fitr will be on Friday, 12 October 2007. While NU–the largest Muslim organisation– has yet to decide, it’ll depend on moonsighting, either on Friday or Saturday (13 October 2007). Meanwhile, the pulang kampung tradition has already begun. Pulang kampung or going back home is done by those rural people who are working in some major cities particularly Jakarta. The tradition is carried out usually once a year that is during the end of Ramadan. They will come back to work a week after Idul Fitri or Hari Raya Lebaran.

For everyone, those who do pulang kampung to celebrate Idul Fitri in their respective home town or who don’t, I wish you all Happy Eid ul-Fitr Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri. Minal ‘Aidzin wal Faizin. Mohon maaf lahir dan batin.
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Iftar Party

Iftar PartyYesterday, I was invited to attend an iftar party. It’s hosted by a political party which assured me that it’s nothing political. Iftar party which is held during holy month of Ramadan is a common practice not only here in Indonesia, but also in India. Particularly in India, iftar party is not only held and hosted by Muslims, many non-Muslims are also holding this event as a good gesture to their Muslim counterparts.  To have a clue about this term, here’s the definition:

Iftar refers to the evening meal for breaking the daily fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Iftar during Ramadan is often done as a community, with Muslims gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is done right after Maghrib (sunset) time. Traditionally, a date is the first thing to be consumed during Iftar when the fast is broken.

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Ramadan 2007, Schedule and Prayer Times

Ramadan 2007 Starts on Thursday 13 September 2007So, it’s confirmed now that Ramadan in Indonesia will start from tomorrow (Thursday, September 13 2007). I am glad that two biggest Indonesian Muslim organisation, NU and Muhammadiyah, are in unison to start from Thursday, despite it won’t guarantee their unity in ending it.  In India, this kind of differences never take place simply because they are mostly following Hanafi School of thought theologically; and having a bit differences on other matters which are mostly political.

For those Muslims who are observing Ramadan in Indonesia Malaysia India and indeed other cities of the world you can download Ramadan fasting schedule and prayer times below. The schedule is important especially for those who are far away from mosques or not staying in Muslim neighborhood.

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