Idul Fitri 'will fall on Jan. 29'

Idul Fitri 'will fall on Jan. 29'

JAKARTA (JP): Moslem organization Muhammadiyah announced
yesterday that the Idul Fitri holiday will fall on Jan. 29.

Nadjib Hamid, executive secretary of the East Java office of
the modernist-oriented group, quoted a decree signed by
Muhammadiyah leaders Amien Rais and Muchlas Abror as saying the
date was decided after a mathematical calculation made by the
organization's staff in charge of astronomic and Islamic law
matters.

Antara reported that the 28-million-strong organization also
set the Islamic Day of Sacrifice, Idul Adha, on April 7.

Idul Fitri, which coincides with the first day of the Syawal
month, marks the end of the Ramadhan fasting month. This year's
fasting month started last Wednesday.

The government usually announces the date for Idul Fitri on
the eve of the projected holiday following a meeting with the
country's Moslem groups, including Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama
and the Indonesian Ulemas Council.

Nadjib said according to calculations, the sighting of the new
moon, known as hilal, would be seen in the country's westernmost
town of Sabang, Aceh, in Yogyakarta and in the country's
easternmost town of Merauke on Jan. 28.

He said Muhammadiyah's calculation might be different from
that of other Moslem organizations, because of various methods of
mathematical calculations and sighting of the moon used by Moslem
groups in the country.

"Differences are normal, although it sometimes sparks anxiety
because it deals with huge masses," he said.

He said Muhammadiyah leaders had called on their followers to
ask for the government's permission to conduct morning prayers on
Idul Fitri as early as possible. "We want the prayers to run
safely and smoothly," he said. (amd)