More than Just Forgiveness - Sharing to Celebrate the Idul Fitri

The morning of September 8, 2011, something special was going on at Global Jaya International School (GJIS)’s gymnasium. GJIS’ Moslem students had gathered since 10:55 AM, faces shone with happy anticipation. Yes, the Idul Fitri had passed but it was time for the school’s Idul Fitri celebration, where students meet their friends and teachers and celebrate after the Idul Fitri holiday.

This year’s event was simple yet meaningful. The student MCs, whose cheerful greeting instantly lightened up the room, introduced Ibu Dewi, the Primary School Principal. She talked about why Idul Fitri is celebrated and what can be learned from it.

Ibu Dewi made the analogy of a Moslem’s heart as a shirt. Having been used without cleaning for eleven months, the shirt will surely dirty. All the good deeds done throughout Ramadhan will clean the heart as soap would clean the shirt.‘Hence, what that person needs to do next is to maintain its cleanliness until the next Ramadan,’ she said. The simple message was clearly understood by the students, as some of them were seen nodding in unison after hearing what Ibu Dewi had said.

Applauded by the audience, Ibu Dewi then beat the drum as a symbol of the event’s opening. The air was festive as the audiences were wowed by extraordinary performances by students. There were singing performances, dancing, as well as drum performances by both Primary and Secondary students, as well as a video presentation on how the Idul Fitri is celebrated around the world

Of course, the celebration was not held just for entertainment. As students had their Quran and its translation reading, the room’s atmosphere had turned tranquil. Everyone absorbing the meaning of the message conveyed by the verses read.

After the performances, Ibu Dewi handed over a significant donation to four different orphanages located in GJIS’ surrounding area. These donations add valuable meaning to this celebration; that the GJIS community does not only celebrate the Idul Fitri among them, but would also share the joy with others.

On a separate occasion prior to the Idul Fitri, another event was arranged by the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). This was dedicated to the school’s hard working support staff, security guards and cleaners. They were handed Idul Fitri Parcels (a pack of consumable goods useful for celebrating their Idul Fitri) and cash bonuses. The PTA’s main goal was to ensure that every member of our support staff was able to celebrate the day with as much happiness as theirs.

Both events, the Lebaran Parcel donation for support staff and the Idul Fitri celebration, are held annually in GJIS, enhancing the meaning of Idul Fitri itself, where it is not just about sharing forgiveness after Ramadan has ended but also adding value to the lives of others.

Here are some moments captured through pictures from the event.

[caption id="attachment_129637" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Students Performing Drums"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_129638" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Donations sharing by Ibu Dewi The Primary School Principal"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_129640" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Primary School students presenting religious songs"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_129641" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Primary School students performing religious songs"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_129642" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Secondary School students presenting religious songs"][/caption]