MUI: Don't Sweep Eating Stalls During Ramadan

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Cholil Nafis asked the public not to carry out sweeping or unilateral raids on food stalls that are open during the month of Ramadan.

"I don't agree with sweeping in Ramadan, I just ask the local government to regulate it in places where people fast, respect people who fast," said Cholil as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, February 19.

Cholil reminded people who are fasting not to have to do sweeping in restaurants that are still open during Ramadan. On the other hand, the owners of food stalls to respect each other.

"Don't commit evil, because the task is not to sweep, just strengthen ourselves, but we respect each other (people) fasting and not fasting," he said.

The regional government, he said, must be active in regulating those who are looking for a living through the warung business, to continue to pay attention to the characteristics and respect people who are fasting.

"But this must be understood by the local/regional government so that the stalls that open in the middle of the day in Ramadan are regulated to maintain the atmosphere, the uniqueness of fasting, and to respect people who fast," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar invited all Muslims to make Ramadan as a momentum to strengthen social piety and national harmony in the midst of the dynamics of people's lives.

The Deputy Chairman of the MUI Advisory Council said that Ramadan must bring an impact that is not only felt personally, but also strengthens solidarity and national brotherhood.

"Ramadhan is a momentum to strengthen social piety and care for national harmony. It is not just an individual worship, but a spiritual madrasah that forms our concern, empathy, and responsibility as part of the Indonesian nation," said the Minister of Religion.