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Lebaran and our forgiving character

Djoko Subinarto
Freelance writer

Cimahi | Tue, July 5 2016 | 08:10 am

One important Islamic teaching involves forgiving ones mistakes and even forgiving ones enemies. We cannot expect Gods
forgiveness for our own mistakes and sins unless we forgive those who wrong us.(Shutterstock/*)

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Muslims across Indonesia will be observing Idul Fitri, or Lebaran, marking the end of the
Islamic holy month of Ramadhan, most likely on July 5.
As usual, millions of Indonesians rich and poor, men and women, young and old will
cram into busses, ferries, trains and motorcycles, and pour out of the major cities to return
to their hometowns, in a movement popularly known asmudik, to celebrate Lebaran with
families, friends and relatives.
e word mudik is derived from the word udik meaning rural areas. Many Indonesians
living in major cities, either for work or study, come from rural areas. At least once a year,
they return to their hometowns.
According to the Transportation Ministry, the number of pemudik (homeward-bound
travelers) will increase by 11 percent compared to last year. e number is expected to reach
28 to 30 million people.

For many Indonesian Muslims, it seems incomplete to celebrate Lebaran

withoutmudik, when they struggle along very congested roads between their places of
residence and the hometowns from which they come. And, especially on the day of Lebaran,
aside from reciting takbir (praise to Allah) and saying prayers at the mosque, in public
squares or in open elds, Indonesian Muslims usually gather to greet their families and
neighbors to ask forgiveness from each other.
One popular greetings is Selamat Idul Fitri. Mohon Maaf lahir dan batin, which means
Happy Idul Fitri. Forgive me for my physical and emotional wrongdoings.
To err is human, to forgive divine, thus goes the famous quote from the writer Alexander
Pope.
As humans, we make mistakes. We commit sins. Nobody is perfect. But, God will always
forgive us, and people are acting in a divine way when they forgive.
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In our relations with other people, intentionally or unintentionally, we sometimes or even

often do them wrong. us, we need to ask for forgiveness. But we also need to forgive
others for any wrongdoing.
One important Islamic teaching involves forgiving ones mistakes and even forgiving ones
enemies. We cannot expect Gods forgiveness for our own mistakes and sins unless we
forgive those who wrong us.

e Prophet Muhammad is well known for his very forgiving character. He was always ready
to forgive his enemies.
For example, there was an old lady who used to throw rubbish in his way day after day. But,
on one occasion she did not throw rubbish in his way. So, the Prophet decided to go and
nd out what seemed to be the matter. She was ill in bed. And to her amazement, the
Prophet Muhammad came to visit her and to forgive her.
e Prophet once said: Whoever apologizes to his brother and that apology is not accepted,
then the person who refuses to accept the apology bears the sin of one who takes the
property of another unjustly.
In terms of mental and physical health, those who forgive live healthier and happier and
enjoy better psychological wellbeing.
One study has revealed that forgiveness is associated with lower blood pressure, lower
cholesterol and improved sleep quality, which really has a positive impact on health.
And some Duke University researchers report a strong correlation between forgiveness and
strengthened immunity among HIV-positive patients. According to the researchers, people
who forgive tend to have better relationships, feel happier and more optimistic, and overall,
enjoy better psychological wellbeing.
No doubt we all want to live happy and peaceful lives, forever and ever. Why not start by
learning to forgive each other? Happy Idul Fitri. Mohon maaf lahir dan batin.

****

e author is a freelance writer based in Cimahi, West Java.

--------------We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars
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e opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reect the ocial stance of

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Addacomment...

LiseBuckeridge
Toerrishuman,toforgivedivine,thusgoesthefamousquotefromthewriterAlexanderPope.
Ashumans,wemakemistakes.Wecommitsins.Nobodyisperfect.But,Godwillalwaysforgive
us,andpeopleareactinginadivinewaywhentheyforgive."
CanyoupleaseexplainwhythentheIndonesianPresidentrenegedonhisobligationtogivefair
clemencyconsiderationtothosevulnerablepeoplesentencedtodeathbyalegalsystemknownto
havefailings?Whyhefailedinthisduty?
IdulFitriorLebaranithasbeendecidedfallson6July,ExecutionDayfor18peopleafewdays
later.
Maybe... Seemore
LikeReply3hrsEdited

PhilCarl
"TheProphetMuhammadiswellknownforhisveryforgivingcharacter.Hewasalwaysreadyto
forgivehisenemies."
Areyousureofthis?AreyousurethatMuhamadwasevenaprophet?Whatdidheprophesize
exactly?

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