Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Commemoration of the Islamic New Year of 1 Muharram 1443 Hijri, 9 August 2021, From the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Alhamdulillahi robbil alamin, washolatu wassalamu ‘ala asrofil ambiya’i wal mursalin, sayyidina wa habibina wa syafi’ina wa maulana Muhammadin, wa ‘ala alihi wasohbihi ajma’in. Amma ba’du.
Honorable Excellencies Ulemas, Muslim clerics, Muslim female scholars, Habeeb, Muslim scholars, and the Elders;
Honorable religious leaders and community leaders, all Muslims throughout Indonesia;
My Fellow Citizens,
Many things have changed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, we celebrated Eid al-Adha in an unusual way, most of us spent the night of takbir (eve of Eid al-Adha) and observed Eid prayers at home. People were no longer performing takbir (recitation of God is great) on the road as usual. It’s all because we adhere to health protocols to fight the pandemic.
The threat of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, has forced us to change and make adjustments in various activities, including religious activities. It is a good endeavor. This is one of the examples of hijra (migration) taught by the Prophet Muhammad. Self-awareness to be better in life, self-awareness to make sacrifices for the greater good, self-awareness to build a new culture of life that is more useful and productive.
The pandemic has also given valuable lessons for us to reflect on. In the past, the struggle of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of God the Almighty be upon him) during hijra from Mecca to Medina made Islam grow rapidly, spread widely, and became the most respected religion in the Arabian Peninsula.
It takes sacrifice to leave anything that may hinder progress, it also takes togetherness, courage, and solidarity to tackle any threats. The differences in social and cultural backgrounds should become strengths. The success of Muslim brotherhood comprising of the Muhajirin and Ansar groups during the Prophet’s da’wah (Islamic preach) struggle is uswah, an example worth imitating.
The compliance of Muslims in adhering to health protocols by wearing masks, maintaining a safe distance, and limiting mobility has reflected the spirit of hijra in daily behaviors. All of these necessary measures aim to avoid further COVID-19 infections, for the sake of mutual safety and health, as well as to build a healthier lifestyle and leave unhealthy habits.
Ulemas, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this occasion, I invite all Muslims to continually strengthen ukhuwah islamiah (Islamic brotherhood), ukhuwah wathaniah (national brotherhood), and ukhuwah basyariah (humanity brotherhood). Let’s improve the attitude of religious moderation, tolerance, inclusiveness, and ta’awun (the attitude of helping other Muslim fellows). Do spread the values of Islam as Rahmatan lil alamin (a blessing for the universe). Emulate the Prophet’s characters by teaching togetherness and tolerance and avoiding hate speech.
We are entering the Islamic New Year of 1 Muharram 1443 Hijri which coincides with the month of Indonesia’s independence. The proclamation (of independence) on 17 August 1945 that happened 76 years ago was a form of our hijra to break free from colonialism, to become an independent and sovereign nation. We must make the most of this momentum to multiply our physical and non-physical efforts to combat the pandemic.
I extend my greatest appreciation, appreciation, and gratitude to masyayikhs (Muslim figures), ulemas, Muslim scholars, habeeb, and all leaders of other religious communities who have helped and cooperated with the Government, and continue to pray and provide spiritual support for the safety of the nation and country.
Let’s enter the new year with hope, prayer, and faith. May Allah SWT always bless and protect the Indonesian people, save us from various outbreaks and dangers.
Aamiiin aamiiin ya rabbal alamin.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (SA/MMB)