Muhammadiyah Leader Urges No Takbir Processions in Bali

Muhammadiyah’s Chairman Haedar Nashir has announced that Muhammadiyah will observe Eid al-Fitr on Friday, 20 March 2026. This decision is based on the result of the precise astronomical calculation (hisab hakiki) of the new moon confirmed by Muhammadiyah’s Board of Islamic Jurisprudence and Renewal. This approach aligns with the Global Unified Islamic Calendar (KHGT), which determines the start of the new month based on astronomical calculation rather than physical sighting of the crescent moon, as outlined in Muhammadiyah’s Statement No. 2/MLM/1.0/E/2025, released on 22 September 2025.

Since the night of takbir falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026, coinciding with the observance of Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, Haedar issued a special message to Muhammadiyah members and Muslims in Bali. “Particularly for Muhammadiyah members and mosque committees in Bali, in the spirit of tolerance, we urge you not to conduct takbir processions or takbir using loudspeakers,” Haedar said in Yogyakarta on Monday, 16 March 2026. He appealed to Muhammadiyah members to conduct takbir at their homes to maintain social harmony amid religious diversity.

Haedar also urged all Muhammadiyah members and sympathisers, as well as Muslims in general, to perform the Eid prayer in open spaces, whilst acknowledging that prayers at mosques or other alternative venues may be held if circumstances permit. Beyond the practical matters of Eid celebrations in Bali, Haedar highlighted the possibility of differences in Eid observance dates between Muhammadiyah and the government. He called for all parties to adopt mutual respect and hoped that public spaces could be accessed inclusively by all Muslim citizens, regardless of differing methods for determining the date of Eid.

“When there are differences in Eid observance, we ask for mutual respect, and all public spaces should be available for Eid celebrations for both Muhammadiyah and other Muslims who observe Eid on different dates,” Haedar said. He urged society to view Eid beyond ceremonial worship and to focus on the spiritual substance of the religion. According to him, Eid should be a turning point for strengthening values of religious enlightenment in facing contemporary challenges.

“Both in similarities and differences in these celebrations, let us use this moment to explore and implement the spiritual sources of religion for personal, family, community, national, and state life,” Haedar said.

The government has issued guidance for takbir observance if Eid coincides with Nyepi, particularly in Bali. The guidelines permit Muslims to conduct takbir at mosques or prayer houses on foot, without loudspeakers, fireworks, firecrackers, or other noise-making, with minimal lighting, from 18.00 to 21.00 Bali Time. Security and order during takbir is the responsibility of each mosque or prayer house committee, working in coordination with local security forces. Village leaders, mosque committees, local security volunteers, and village officials are collectively responsible for maintaining safety and order during both Nyepi and takbir activities, coordinating with security forces.