Indonesian Ambassador Invites Ottawa Muslims to Strengthen Bonds During Eid al-Fitr
On this day of victory, I invite us all to understand the importance of forgiving one another as fellow human beings,” said Ambassador Muhsin to the congregation during the Eid al-Fitr Prayer 1447 H on Friday (20/3) at the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, as stated by the embassy on Sunday (22/3).
In his speech, Ambassador Muhsin conveyed that as humans, Muslims are not immune to making mistakes, whether intentional or not, which may provoke anger in others.
Therefore, during Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim community in Canada is encouraged to forgive one another to strengthen unity.
“May we become individuals capable of forgiving our brothers and sisters so that we too may receive forgiveness from others, as well as pardon from Allah SWT, the Most Forgiving Lord. In this way, we can strengthen unity among fellow human beings,” said Ambassador Muhsin.
The Eid Prayer at the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa was attended by around 300 Indonesian citizens and diaspora from Ottawa and surrounding areas, including Montreal and Brockville, who filled the Caraka Nusantara Room at the embassy.
High enthusiasm was evident despite the celebration taking place amid temperatures of minus 7 degrees Celsius and snowfall of 5–10 cm, according to the embassy’s statement.
The Eid al-Fitr Prayer was described as proceeding with devotion and warmth, reflecting the strong spirit of togetherness among the Indonesian diaspora in Canada.
The embassy’s multipurpose room in Ottawa served as a place of worship accommodating congregations from various regions in Canada, including those who travelled 1.5–2 hours.
In the Eid Prayer sermon, the imam and khatib Amin Jalloh, a Canadian citizen active as an ustadz in the Indonesian Muslim community’s study group in Ottawa, emphasised the message of tawhid as the core teaching of the prophets.
He also reminded the importance of avoiding sin as part of spiritual reflection on this day of victory.
On that occasion, the new Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa, Lefianna Hartati Fernandinus, also extended introductory greetings to the community.
“It is an honour for me to join and serve the Indonesian community in Canada,” she said.
“I hope to work closely with all elements of the diaspora to further strengthen togetherness and improve the quality of services at the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa moving forward,” she added.
The chairman of the Indonesian Muslim community’s study group in Ottawa, Bani Setijoso, expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa for facilitating this year’s Eid al-Fitr Prayer, which he regarded as an important momentum in tightening community bonds. The holding of the Eid al-Fitr Prayer 1447 H was noted as the first time it has been organised at the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa after nearly a decade.