Eid al-Fitr Coinciding with Nyepi: Muhammadiyah Urges Muslim Residents in Bali not to Hold Takbir Processions

Muhammadiyah’s Central Leadership (PP) has officially set Eid al-Fitr for 1 Shawwal 1447 Hijriah on Friday, 20 March. Given that this year’s celebration coincides with the sacred Hindu day of Nyepi, the General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir, has issued a special appeal to maintain interfaith harmony in Bali.

During a Ramadan Dialogue session with media on Monday, 16 March, Haedar emphasised the importance of tolerance and mutual respect, particularly for Muhammadiyah members in Bali.

In honour of Hindu followers observing the Catur Brata Penyepian during Nyepi, Muhammadiyah has requested mosque officials and Muslims in Bali to refrain from organising large-scale public religious activities.

“Muslims in Bali should maintain harmony and respect for Hindus who are observing Nyepi,” Haedar stated.

Haedar specifically called for the avoidance of takbir processions (takbir keliling) and other mass public demonstrations during the Nyepi period. This step represents a concrete expression of religious moderation, which Muhammadiyah champions. Haedar hopes that all Muhammadiyah members on the island will pioneer the creation of a conducive atmosphere.

“In essence, let us use this Eid al-Fitr celebration, in both our similarities and differences, as an opportunity to explore and implement sources of religious enlightenment for our lives,” he said.

Regarding the Eid prayer on Friday, 20 March, Haedar recommended that prayers be held in open fields as long as they do not disturb public order. However, he also provided flexibility, allowing prayers to be moved to mosques or other enclosed locations if field conditions prove unsuitable.

Haedar emphasised that differences in determining Eid dates and the meeting of two different major religious celebrations should be approached with mutual respect. He encouraged this moment as an opportunity to strengthen harmony, from family level to global life.