Hailing Ramadhan

I noticed that from about a month ago, many supermarkets or hypermarkets in Jakarta had prepared for hailing fasting month. It was clearly seen from the displays. They had variety of dates, hand-made cookies (castengeel, nastar,etc.), nata de coco, mukena, sajadah, sarung , hampers, and many more. Those items are well representing Ramadhan and Ied of Indonesian.

I am an Indonesian moslem who does not understand Arabic. Like most of Indonesian, I learned Islam automatically, without any awareness or questioning why or what every single of my devotion act means.
Every Ramadhan went by with a joy of a once a year experience where I can break fasting together with some friends, colleagues, family as well as having special treat on the Ied.

I do not want to end up blaming my culture or my odd nation. I am here as I have a chance to give meaning to this year's Ramadhan. A Ramadhan that gives me a chance to grow as a person, not only on Ramadhan, but afterwards. To forgive others, to be more patient, to share with others, to be grateful for His bless, and to be closer to Him.

I wish for a truly Happy Ied with a cleaner soul. More than a ritual of new clothes all over my body and cookies on tray.

Please forgive me for all my faults.
Marhaban Ya Ramadhan