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Thursday, May 27, 2021 | 17:12 WIB

Chief Justice Anwar Usman delivering remarks at a virtual halalbihalal event for Eid al-Fitr 1442 AH on Thursday (27/05/2021). Photo by Humas MK/Ilham.

JAKARTA, Public Relations—After a month of fasting during the Ramadan month, the Constitutional Court (MK) held a halalbihalal event for Eid al-Fitr 1442 AH on Thursday, May 27, 2021. It took place virtually from the ground floor hall of building 1 of the Court and office rooms and residences of the Court’s staff members.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Mahfud M.D., former Constitutional Justice of 2008-2013 Ahmad Shodiki, former Constitutional Justice of 2008-2018 Maria Farida Indrati, former Constitutional Justice of 2015-2020 I Dewa Gede Palguna, and Deputy IV of the Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Janedjri M Gaffar attended the event virtually. Chief Justice Anwar Usman and the other eight constitutional justices were also in attendance.

Yarsi University lecturer Karimulloh presented a sermon on the meaning of halalbihalal, which is forgiveness. He urged all participants to ask for apology to their parents, in-laws, educators, spouses, family members, and coworkers. He revealed that the Prophet Muhammad SAW once said to his companions that people who do prayers, fast, give zakat, and do other good deeds but hurt others proved of loss.

“In the future, their good deeds will absolve them of sins and oppression that they’ve committed. Therefore, in this good month [of Shawwal] let us forgive and ask for forgiveness,” he said.

Halalbihalal Tradition

Chief Justice Anwar Usman in his remarks said that the halalbihalal is a tradition to strengthen brotherhood that began among Muslims, but has now been a culture among Indonesians. He said that Indonesia requires a medium to bridge its vast diversity. The tradition was started by Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Karya (KGPAA) in around 1770. Then the term halalbihalal is said to be proposed by K. H. Abdul Wahab Hasbullah, one of the founders of the Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). However, Justice Anwar said, despite its history, Ramadan and halalbihalal are now observed in a very different manner.

“Usually [we observe halalbihalal] in person with a handshake, but now it is mostly online and occasionally offline. The COVID-19 pandemic brought great lessons in our relationship with others and with the Almighty,” he added.

Justice Anwar said that humanity is expected to be sensitive of others’ needs and to help others. In sahih (authentic) hadith it is said “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry” and “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his neighbor.” Justice Anwar called the participants to practice patience and tawakkul (trusting in God’s plan) and work hard in order to find good in all incidents, including the pandemic.

Strengthening Togetherness

Meanwhile, Secretary-General M. Guntur Hamzah remarked that the annual event served to strengthen the Court’s togetherness as a family. He also apologized to the justices for any lack of service for the past year.

“On this occasion, on behalf of all staff in the Registrar’s Office and the Secretariat General of the Constitutional Court, from the depth of our hearts, [I] deeply apologize to His Excellency Chief Constitutional Justice, His Excellency Deputy Chief Constitutional Justice, and His/Her Excellencies Constitutional Justices for any services that haven’t met your expectations and for any delayed services. Of course, we will use this forum as a moment for improvement of our support and services to the Court,” he said.

Writer        : Sri Pujianti
Editor        : Lulu Anjarsari P.
Translator  : Yuniar Widiastuti (NL)

Translation uploaded on 5/28/2021 13:30 WIB

Disclaimer: The original version of the news is in Indonesian. In case of any differences between the English and the Indonesian version, the Indonesian version will prevail.

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