Islamic New Year, Puan: People's Spiritual Reflection Strengthens Unity

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, invites Muslims in Indonesia to make the commemoration of the Islamic New Year 1445 Hijriyah which falls on July 19, 2023, a momentum to maintain togetherness.

He also hopes that the celebration of 1 Muharram can be a place of spiritual reflection for the people in the spirit of strengthening unity and nationality.

"The Hijriyah New Year is a momentum for Muslims to reflect themselves in faith and piety so that they can be even better in practicing worship and doing good," said Puan, Wednesday, July 19.

Puan asked Muslims not only to make the Islamic New Year a turn of the year. He invited all Muslims to remember the events of the hijrah carried out by the Prophet Muhammad SAW from Mecca to Medina and take the message contained and then applied it in everyday life.

The celebration of the Islamic New Year must be able to bring the most motivated Muslims to follow the teachings of the Prophet. At the moment of the turn of the Islamic New Year, Muslims should be able to move by leaving behind bad things and a disgraceful attitude towards a more commendable behavior, "said Puan.

"How can Muslims move from traits that trigger conflict, to become individuals who prioritize a sense of peace, harmony, and tolerance while at the same time fostering a sense of concern for others," he continued.

Puan also invites Muslims to interpret the turn of the Islamic Year as the right time to reflect on national values. Muslims are also reminded to not only foster concern in the community, but also to increase concern for the life of the state.

"Muslims can also reflect on the life of the nation and state in the spirit of maintaining togetherness, building unity, and fostering nationalism and a sense of pride in Indonesia's identity as a country full of diversity," said Puan.

The first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives also hopes that the spirit of jijrah in the Islamic New Year can strengthen the unity of the nation. Because, according to Puan, Allah SWT has given blessings to the Indonesian nation for the diversity of ethnicity, culture, religion, and language that make this country even stronger.

"However, behind the splendor of diversity, there is a great responsibility that all people in Indonesia must firmly maintain, namely unity and integrity," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

For this reason, Puan invites Muslims to view diversity in Indonesia as a treasure trove of the archipelago. According to the motto of the Indonesian nation, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika must be practiced in every environment of social life.

"Make the difference from diversity in Indonesia as a source of strength and inspiration to move forward together. Hopefully the Islamic New Year will further strengthen the spirit of togetherness of all Muslims in Indonesia," said Puan.

Bung Karno's grandson also appreciated Indonesian Muslims who welcomed the Islamic New Year through various cultural activities. For example, said Puan, with torch relays, kirab 1 suro, and other traditions.

Our nation is thick in culture, which is increasinglyautified by harmony in diversity in Indonesia. Preserving the culture of the archipelago is the responsibility of all the nation's children," he explained.

Puan added, only by maintaining unity and integrity, Indonesia will continue to stand tall as a country that is dignified, just, and prosperous. He hopes that the Hijri New Year can be a source of inspiration for Muslims in maintaining the integrity of the nation in order to build an increasingly advanced Indonesia.

"Of course, for the pleasure of Allah SWT, this country will continue to grow and triumph, with leaders able to bring a just, prosperous and prosperous life to all Indonesian people," said Puan.

"Happy celebrating the Islamic New Year 1445 Hijri to all Muslims. Let's enter 1 Muharram with happiness while sharing blessings with others for the creation of prosperity and prosperity in the country," he concluded.