Istiqlal Mosque's Programme of Activities During Ramadan
Istiqlal Mosque will once again hold its regular programme of activities during the holy month of Ramadan, ranging from communal iftar meals, tarawih prayers with international Quran reciters, religious study sessions, and iktikaf (spiritual retreat). "God willing, we will have a number of routine activities," said the Grand Imam of Istiqlal, Nasaruddin Umar, at the mosque on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
One of the principal items on the agenda is tarawih prayers, preceded by recitations from international qari (Quran reciters). The reciters will appear on a rotating basis through to the end of Ramadan. Following the prayers, the mosque's organisers will present speakers drawn from prominent ulama as well as public figures known for their religiosity.
Istiqlal is also preparing a Nuzulul Quran (Revelation of the Quran) commemoration involving MABIMS member states — Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore. According to Nasaruddin, the Eid al-Fitr takbir is planned to be performed simultaneously and in relay with grand mosques across Southeast Asian capital cities.
The mosque is also maintaining its tradition of large-scale communal iftar. At weekends, the number of meals prepared for iftar reaches between 7,000 and 10,000 portions per day. On weekdays, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 worshippers receive boxed rice meals.
Another regular activity is the khataman Al-Quran (complete recitation of the Quran) by female congregants, running from morning until night. The final ten nights of Ramadan are also devoted to iktikaf which, according to Nasaruddin, draws even larger crowds than tarawih. "On the odd nights, it is full right up to the fifth floor," he said.
The iktikaf programme begins with night prayers, tasbih prayers, followed by reflection and contemplation together. Congregants then have sahur (pre-dawn meal) together before performing the Subuh prayer and attending religious lectures and discussions.
Beyond Ramadan worship activities, Istiqlal continues to run free educational programmes, including courses in English, Mandarin, Arabic, Persian, French, and Indonesian for foreign speakers. Classes in Hebrew and Aramaic are even available. Nasaruddin noted that the instructors are native speakers brought in directly from the countries of origin of each language.
Activities for children are also held, including a regular storytelling programme that consistently attracts families.
The atmosphere this Ramadan is somewhat different, as it coincides with Chinese New Year celebrations. Nasaruddin observed that the Chinese New Year decorations in the area surrounding the mosque also lend a Ramadan ambience, as a form of interfaith tolerance. "This is a very fine example of tolerance," he said.
With this programme of activities, Istiqlal once again positions itself not merely as a place of worship, but also as a centre for social activity, education, and cross-cultural dialogue during the holy month.
One of the principal items on the agenda is tarawih prayers, preceded by recitations from international qari (Quran reciters). The reciters will appear on a rotating basis through to the end of Ramadan. Following the prayers, the mosque's organisers will present speakers drawn from prominent ulama as well as public figures known for their religiosity.
Istiqlal is also preparing a Nuzulul Quran (Revelation of the Quran) commemoration involving MABIMS member states — Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore. According to Nasaruddin, the Eid al-Fitr takbir is planned to be performed simultaneously and in relay with grand mosques across Southeast Asian capital cities.
The mosque is also maintaining its tradition of large-scale communal iftar. At weekends, the number of meals prepared for iftar reaches between 7,000 and 10,000 portions per day. On weekdays, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 worshippers receive boxed rice meals.
Another regular activity is the khataman Al-Quran (complete recitation of the Quran) by female congregants, running from morning until night. The final ten nights of Ramadan are also devoted to iktikaf which, according to Nasaruddin, draws even larger crowds than tarawih. "On the odd nights, it is full right up to the fifth floor," he said.
The iktikaf programme begins with night prayers, tasbih prayers, followed by reflection and contemplation together. Congregants then have sahur (pre-dawn meal) together before performing the Subuh prayer and attending religious lectures and discussions.
Beyond Ramadan worship activities, Istiqlal continues to run free educational programmes, including courses in English, Mandarin, Arabic, Persian, French, and Indonesian for foreign speakers. Classes in Hebrew and Aramaic are even available. Nasaruddin noted that the instructors are native speakers brought in directly from the countries of origin of each language.
Activities for children are also held, including a regular storytelling programme that consistently attracts families.
The atmosphere this Ramadan is somewhat different, as it coincides with Chinese New Year celebrations. Nasaruddin observed that the Chinese New Year decorations in the area surrounding the mosque also lend a Ramadan ambience, as a form of interfaith tolerance. "This is a very fine example of tolerance," he said.
With this programme of activities, Istiqlal once again positions itself not merely as a place of worship, but also as a centre for social activity, education, and cross-cultural dialogue during the holy month.