President Jokowi Thanks Ulama In Commemoration Of Islamic New Year, August 9, 2021

President Jokowi's remarks on the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1443 Hijriah at the Bogor Palace on August 9, 2021, thanked the ulama for their role during the COVID-19 pandemic. (BPMI Setpres Youtube)

JAKARTA – In today's memory, one day ago, August 9, 2021, President Jokowi took part in the commemoration of the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1443 Hijiriah. The commemoration was held at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java. Jokowi revealed that the struggle of Muslims is getting bigger in line with the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So religious activities have to make adjustments. He described it as a form of struggle or jihad to break the chain of COVID-19. He also thanked the ulama who supported the government.

The commemoration of the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1443 Hijiriah is a moment of revival. Jokowi agrees with that. Therefore, in the momentum of the celebration of the Islamic New Year at the Bogor Palace, Jokowi took the time to make a speech. He revealed that a lot has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He gave an example that one month earlier, Muslims celebrated Eid al-Adha in an unusual way. There is no takbir on the streets. Also, you have to do the Eid prayer at home. All of this was done to comply with health protocols, as well as an effort to break the chain of COVID-19.

President Jokowi and the ulama at the National Remembrance event in Jakarta on Wednesday, February 21 2018. (Setpres Press Bureau/Rustam)

The Indonesian president said the sacrifices made were a form of progress. Because, Muslims dare to do everything for the common good. As part of solidarity to overcome threats.

He invited Muslims to always remember to wear masks and keep a distance when leaving the house and doing activities. That step is important. A real step so that Indonesia can overcome the pandemic quickly.

“It takes sacrifice to leave behind the things that hinder progress. It takes togetherness, it takes courage, and solidarity to overcome threats. Differences in social and cultural backgrounds actually become strengths. The brotherhood of the muhajirin and the ansar in the success of the Prophet's da'wah struggle is uswah, an example."

“Muslims' compliance with wearing masks, maintaining distance, and limiting mobility, reflects the spirit of hijrah in our daily behavior. All of this is to avoid being infected with the COVID-19 virus, for the safety and health of all, as well as to build a healthier lifestyle and abandon habits that are detrimental to health," Jokowi said as quoted by the Cabinet Secretariat website.

Jokowi also said the biggest thanks to the scholars. Their support means a lot to the nation and state. The clerics have also become the mouthpiece of the government in socializing of the pandemic.

President Jokowi walks with a number of clerics during a gathering of the Halaqah Ulama and the Leaders of the West Java Islamic Boarding School at the State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, February 28, 2019. (Antara/Wahyu Putro A)

Ulama also helped calm the community for a while to worship from home. Everything is for the common good. It is the support from the ulema that makes the flame of Muslims break the chain of the spread of COVID-19.

"I express my deepest appreciation, appreciation, and gratitude to the Masyayikhs, the Ulama, the Kiai, and the Habibs, as well as to the leaders of other religious communities who have always helped and cooperated with the government, not stopping praying and make an inner effort for the safety of the nation and state.”

"Let's enter the new year full of hope, with prayer and faith. May Allah SWT. always bless and protect the Indonesian people, soon to be freed from various epidemics and dangers," concluded Jokowi.