Al-Azhar Grand Mosque Holds Bazaar and Itikaf Retreat Throughout Ramadan

The Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in Jakarta has unveiled a broad programme of activities for the Ramadan period, ranging from a bazaar and free health services to religious study sessions and an itikaf retreat.

“There will be funeral rites training, Quran memorisation competitions, adhan competitions, short surah memorisation contests, as well as dawn lectures every Saturday and Sunday,” said Tatang Komara, Head of the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque Office, speaking to reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday.

In addition, he said, the mosque would hold free health services, a Ramadan bazaar, Tarhib Ramadan celebrations, and a ten-night itikaf study retreat during the final nights of the holy month.

Tatang confirmed that the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque was fully prepared to hold tarawih prayers in accordance with the isbat ruling issued by the government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs. “God willing, both the facilities and the personnel are ready,” he said.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that, based on astronomical calculations, the position of the hilal (new crescent moon) across all Indonesian territories on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, did not yet meet the hilal visibility criteria agreed upon by MABIMS member states (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore).

Accordingly, 1 Ramadan 1447 Hijriah was determined by hisab (astronomical calculation) to coincide with Thursday, 19 February 2026.

The Indonesian government has long employed both hisab and rukyat (direct moon sighting) methods in determining the start of key Islamic months, particularly Ramadan, Syawal, and Zulhijah. Hisab serves as preliminary guidance, whilst rukyat provides confirmation during the isbat session, which involves various parties including astronomy experts, representatives of Islamic organisations, and relevant government agencies.