Idul Fitri 'will fall on Jan. 29'<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Moslem organization Muhammadiyah announced
\nyesterday that the Idul Fitri holiday will fall on Jan. 29.<\/p>\n
Nadjib Hamid, executive secretary of the East Java office of
\nthe modernist-oriented group, quoted a decree signed by
\nMuhammadiyah leaders Amien Rais and Muchlas Abror as saying the
\ndate was decided after a mathematical calculation made by the
\norganization's staff in charge of astronomic and Islamic law
\nmatters.<\/p>\n
Antara reported that the 28-million-strong organization also
\nset the Islamic Day of Sacrifice, Idul Adha, on April 7.<\/p>\n
Idul Fitri, which coincides with the first day of the Syawal
\nmonth, marks the end of the Ramadhan fasting month. This year's
\nfasting month started last Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The government usually announces the date for Idul Fitri on
\nthe eve of the projected holiday following a meeting with the
\ncountry's Moslem groups, including Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama
\nand the Indonesian Ulemas Council.<\/p>\n
Nadjib said according to calculations, the sighting of the new
\nmoon, known as hilal, would be seen in the country's westernmost
\ntown of Sabang, Aceh, in Yogyakarta and in the country's
\neasternmost town of Merauke on Jan. 28.<\/p>\n
He said Muhammadiyah's calculation might be different from
\nthat of other Moslem organizations, because of various methods of
\nmathematical calculations and sighting of the moon used by Moslem
\ngroups in the country.<\/p>\n
\"Differences are normal, although it sometimes sparks anxiety
\nbecause it deals with huge masses,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said Muhammadiyah leaders had called on their followers to
\nask for the government's permission to conduct morning prayers on
\nIdul Fitri as early as possible. \"We want the prayers to run
\nsafely and smoothly,\" he said. (amd)<\/p>",
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