Menag: Ramadan Must Touch Inner Depth and Social Concern

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar said that worship in the month of Ramadan should not only stop at formal rituals, but should touch the depths of the soul and concern for others.

"Before Ramadan, there is a prologue that Allah gives us all as a shock therapy to face Ramadan, namely Isra' Mi'raj," said Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar when giving a lecture in the Akbar Lecture at UIN Alauddin Mosque Campus 2, Gowa, South Sulawesi, Monday, February 5, reported by ANTARA.

The Minister of Religion explained that Isra' Mi'raj which is commemorated before Ramadan is a prologue or mental preparation for Muslims.

He underlined that Ramadan is the right time to revive "purity" in interacting with fellow human beings and the universe.

The Minister of Religion invites people to shift their focus from merely pursuing personal rewards to seeking Allah's pleasure through real actions that benefit others.

"We should not chase Lailatul Qadr. Which is more important, we are looking for Lailatul Qadr or looking for who is lowering Lailatul Qadr? Lailatul Qadr is a creature, heaven is a creature. What we need is who is lowering Lailatul Qadr, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala (SWT)," said Menag Nasaruddin Umar.

According to him, the spirit of social solidarity is born from a sincere love for the Creator. Citing the philosophy of Rabi'ah Adawiyah, the Minister of Religion emphasized that worship based on love (mahabbah) will give birth to a sincere sense of love for one's fellow without barriers.

"I worship God because I love you my God. I love you. So if you talk about worship, small is heaven, small is hell. We must be sure that God is merciful, compassionate," said Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar.

The Minister of Religion also reminded that diversity and differences of opinion in the community must be treated as a blessing to strengthen brotherhood, as is the tradition taught by the Prophet's companions.

The Minister of Religion appealed to the entire community to make this year's Ramadan as a madrasah to hone social sensitivity, maintain the sustainability of nature through ecotheology, and strengthen the ties of brotherhood for a more harmonious nation.

"Differences of opinion among the people are a blessing. We sometimes argue that people have no love. Make every step an act of worship, because by entrusting everything to God, any burden will become light," said Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar.