Earlier Than Expected, Several Muslim Communities in Indonesia Begin Eid Celebrations Today
Several Muslim communities in Indonesia have already begun Eid celebrations today, Thursday (19/3). They have even performed Eid al-Fitr prayers since early morning.
This earlier Eid al-Fitr celebration is carried out by several communities and tarekat, determining 1 Syawal based on their respective hisab methods or traditions.
On the other hand, the isbat session to determine the date of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah will only be held today at 4:00 PM WIB at the Ministry of Religious Affairs office.
Although differing from the central government’s determination, the Eid prayers proceeded solemnly and received security from local authorities.
Here are reports from several regions that held Eid al-Fitr prayers today.
- Naqsabandiyah Congregation
The Naqsabandiyah Tarekat congregation in several cities reportedly held Eid prayers today. Some of them in Makassar (South Sulawesi), Padang (West Sumatra), to Bima (West Nusa Tenggara).
“Yes, it’s true, some have already celebrated Eid (today),” said Tamalanrea Police Sector Head, Kompol Muhammad Yusuf, to CNNIndonesia.com on Thursday afternoon regarding the Eid prayer by the Naqsabandiyah Tarekat congregation in Makassar.
Yusuf said police personnel were at the location to assist with security. He explained that the Eid al-Fitr prayer held by the Naqsyabandiyah congregation ran devoutly, accompanied by escort and security from the police.
“The number of attendees is around 100 people. We are only providing security for the worship to run smoothly,” Yusuf stated.
- Muslims in Hila, Central Maluku
Several Muslims in Hila Village, Leihitu Subdistrict, Central Maluku Regency, also celebrated Eid al-Fitr today by performing Eid prayers at Hasan Soleman Mosque in the morning.
“For the determination of 1 Ramadan, we start counting from 1 Muharram 1447 Hijriah. And all that is in sync until 1 Syawal today,” said Hila Mosque Imam Abdul Kadir Ollong in Ambon on Thursday, citing Antara.
The Eid al-Fitr prayer in Hila ran solemnly and was attended by thousands of congregants. The worship began around 08:13 WIT, led by Imam Abdul Kadir Ollong, while the sermon was delivered by Yusuf Lating.
Besides Hila Village, several villages in Leihitu, Central Maluku, have already held Eid al-Fitr celebrations today, including Wakal Village, Lima Village, and Seith.
- Al Mudhlor Congregation in Tulungagung
Still reporting from Antara, around 100 people joined the Eid al-Fitr prayer today at Nur Muhammad Al Muhdlor Mosque, Wates Village, Sumbergempol Subdistrict, Tulungagung Regency, East Java.
“The number of congregants is around 100 people and the event ran smoothly. We conducted open and covert security to anticipate potential disturbances,” said Sumbergempol Police Sector Head AKP Mochamad Anshori.
The activity was the only early Eid prayer in the Sumbergempol area and was centred in the pondok environment.
On the other hand, community activities around the prayer location continued normally. Several residents following the government’s 1 Syawal determination were seen passing in front of the mosque area to visit graves in the nearby complex.
- Syattariyah Tarekat in Aceh
In Nagan Raya Regency, Aceh, thousands of Syattariyah Tarekat followers celebrated Eid al-Fitr Day on Thursday with Eid prayers at Peuleukung Mosque, Seunagan Timur Subdistrict.
Nagan Raya Regent Teuku Raja Keumangan said the determination of 1 Syawal for Syathariyah Tarekat followers is based on the Five Number Hisab method.
“This method has been used hereditarily in Nagan Raya for more than 200 years,” he stated, quoted by Antara.
According to him, the difference in celebration time with the government or other community groups is not a new issue.
“In Nagan Raya, this is common, no problem because it has been going on for hundreds of years. Some use rukyah method, some hisab. Even at the national level, differences often occur,” Teuku Raja said.
- Sabilun Nahdhah Assembly Congregation in Depok
In Depok, hundreds of Sabilun Nahdhah Assembly congregants performed Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah prayers in the yard of RM Sari Kuring Sunda, Jalan Ir H. Juanda, on Thursday morning.
“The Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah activity was organised by the Sabilun Nahdhah Assembly,” said Head of Public Relations of Metro Depok Police Resort AKP Made Budi in his statement.
Made said the number of attendees was around 500 people, with Ustaz Hasyim Musthofa acting as imam. The police deployed 15 personnel to escort the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
- Residents around Mahfilud Dluror Pesantren, Jember
Some residents of Jember and Bondowoso Regencies also reportedly celebrated Eid earlier, especially those around Mahfilud Dluror Pesantren in Jember Regency, East Java.
Thousands of residents performed Eid prayers at Salafiyah Syafi’iyah Mosque and the Mahfilud Dluror Pesantren complex in Suger Kidul Village, Jelbuk Subdistrict, right on the border of Jember and Bondowoso Regencies.
Citing Antara, residents around the pesantren indeed started fasting earlier on Tuesday (17/2) because the start of fasting was determined based on the Kitab Salaf Nushatul Majaalis wa Muntahobul Nafaais, which has been applied since 1826.