...by not using Ramadhan prayers or sermons as a forum for political campaigns.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesias largest Islamic organizations, has called on all people to not politicize the Islamic fasting month that will fall late this month.
"In connection with the presidential election that will fall during the fasting month, Muhammadiyah appeals to all people, success teams and candidates to preserve the holiness of the Ramadhan by not using Ramadhan prayers or sermons as a forum for political campaigns," associate chairman Yunahar Ilyas said here on Monday.
Politicizing the fasting month runs against the election law and campaign rules, and it also has the potential of triggering conflicts and political divisions, especially among Muslims, he added.
"We appeal to the government, including regional governments, security authorities and other concerned parties, to give freedom to Muhammadiyah members and other Muslims to start fasting on the date that has been determined," he said.
Muhammadiyah has declared July 28 as the beginning of the fasting month, before the governments decision.
Yunahar hoped that all Muslims can accept differences if they occur regarding the starting date of the fasting month.
"In case of differences, it is hoped it will not affect the unity of Muslims, while tolerance, brotherhood and mutual respect will be adhered to," he said.
"The differences include the start of the fasting month and the end of the month. Brotherhood must not narrowly be interpreted as a mere unity in rites, but must also be developed to cover other areas with regard to building order that gives a room for pluralism and the development of civilization," he noted.
(H-YH/INE/B003)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
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