"We have to respect the rights of those who are fasting."Muslims who are fasting should respect the right of those who are not fasting because of certain conditions," the minister stressed.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has called upon the people to maintain the solemnity of worship during the fasting month of Ramadan.

"We have to respect the rights of those who are fasting," Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said here on Monday.

"Muslims who are fasting, he noted, should respect the right of those who are not fasting because of certain conditions," the minister stressed.

The minister called for mutual respect and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

Referring to local regulations on fasting, the minister urged the officials not to try to be too aggressive while enforcing the rules.

The law enforcement agencies must accord priority to persuade someone, for instance, by making an appeal. The persuasive way would be to adopt a humane approach without coercion.

Therefore, the minister urged the people to show tolerance and respect during Ramadan. The sanctity of Ramadan must be well preserved.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has also called for mutual respect among people during Ramadan.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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