Jakarta, wahidinstitute.org
The Muslim population in Indonesia is the largest in the world. Such a large population should be a source of strength to move forward together. However, the reality is that the Muslim community’s condition is terrible, and it has been caused by their weak solidarity.

Thus spoke the director of the WAHID Institute (WI), Yenny Zannuba Wahid, during the event to break the day’s fasting with the poor. Its theme was Collective Fast to Increase Solidarity and it was held in the WAHID Institute office, Jl Taman Amir Hamzah, No 8, Matraman, Jakarta, Sunday (14/09/08).

“The weak solidarity between the rich and the poor has split the Muslim community,” Yenny said in front of hundreds, mostly mothers and school kids. This condition, Yenny said, has caused disorder which effectively impedes progression to a better future.

Concern for this situation made Yenny and her institute take the initiative and hold an event to break fast with people who were less well off, as well as to distribute sembako packages (packages of 9 staple foods/ ingredients) and school equipment. “Opening the fast together is a symbol of our solidarity,” she added.

Besides this, Yenny also emphasised that breaking the fast together was an effort of ta’awun (helping one another) with good deeds, as outlined in the Qur’an.

Yenny, wearing a grey dress that afternoon, also introduced WI to those present. “WI is a foundation which acts to promote tolerant, peaceful Islam, an Islam which does not discriminate against anyone,” she summarized.

WI, she said, believes that Islam does not discriminate against people, and views all as brothers. “If there is difference, it is only a difference of character and religious deeds,” Yenny said enthusiastically.
At the end of her speech, Yenny symbolically gave a sembako package to Mrs Fatimah who lives near Jl Tambak Matraman. This elderly woman is also the neighbor of Nyai Sholichah, Yenny’s grandmother who is famous for her care for the poor. Writing materials were also given to Iqbal Saputra, a year five school boy from Matraman.

Sembako packages were distributed to 149 other women. Writing materials and bags were also distributed to 149 other children. These women and school children were part of the less well off citizens who live in Ciganjur, Kebun Kacang, under bridges and near WI's office. Some were street kids and widows.

Before Yenny closed the event, KH Ahmad Fahruddin Murodi, from Depok, gave a speech. He said that Ramadan was a month full of blessings from Allah. “We have all been invited here, have been given food to break our fast together, and have been given sembako packages before leaving. All this is a blessing,” Kiai Fahruddin explained.

Another blessing, he said, is Allah’s guarantee for those who welcome Ramadan enthusiastically. “Allah will prevent those who welcome the arrival of Ramadan from entering hell,” he said, quoting one of the Prophet’s hadith.

In his speech of 20 minutes or so, Kiai Fahruddin asked those in attendance to pray that Allah always protects WI and WI staff, and that their struggle is beneficial for Indonesian society. “We also pray for Gus Dur, the founder of WI, so that Allah (The Almighty and most worthy of praise) always blesses him with good health,” he said.