MUI: Idul Fitri Coinciding with Nyepi a Special Moment for Balinese Society
Denpasar (ANTARA) — The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Bali Province has described Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah coinciding with the holy day of Nyepi Saka 1948 as a special moment for Balinese society.
"The convergence of the holy day of Nyepi Saka 1948 and Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah represents a special moment to foster and rebuild interfaith harmony between the two communities," said Bali MUI Chairman Mahrusun Hadyono in Denpasar on Saturday.
Mahrusun explained that the two major religious occasions are particularly special because their convergence does not always occur.
This year, Nyepi falls on 19 March 2026 and Idul Fitri on 21 March 2026 — a gap of just two days. For certain Islamic organisations, the gap may be only one day.
Bali MUI has asked all members of the public, especially Muslims, to comply with guidelines regarding the observance of Nyepi, as the Catur Brata Penyepian (the four Nyepi prohibitions) takes place before Lebaran, meaning tarawih prayers will still be ongoing.
"We specifically urge Muslims to comply with and heed the joint appeal regarding the observance of the holy day of Nyepi, which coincides with the lead-up to the Idul Fitri celebration, and to continue maintaining harmony between the two religious communities," he said.
"This is based on what happened several years ago in 2004, when Nyepi coincided with Idul Fitri, yet everything went smoothly. The holy day of Nyepi was also observed solemnly — this was thanks to the wisdom of religious leaders from both faiths," he added.
Bali MUI expressed hope that this tolerance would continue, supported by good communication between religious leaders and the community, so that the atmosphere in March would be conducive and solemn.
"The convergence of the holy day of Nyepi Saka 1948 and Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah represents a special moment to foster and rebuild interfaith harmony between the two communities," said Bali MUI Chairman Mahrusun Hadyono in Denpasar on Saturday.
Mahrusun explained that the two major religious occasions are particularly special because their convergence does not always occur.
This year, Nyepi falls on 19 March 2026 and Idul Fitri on 21 March 2026 — a gap of just two days. For certain Islamic organisations, the gap may be only one day.
Bali MUI has asked all members of the public, especially Muslims, to comply with guidelines regarding the observance of Nyepi, as the Catur Brata Penyepian (the four Nyepi prohibitions) takes place before Lebaran, meaning tarawih prayers will still be ongoing.
"We specifically urge Muslims to comply with and heed the joint appeal regarding the observance of the holy day of Nyepi, which coincides with the lead-up to the Idul Fitri celebration, and to continue maintaining harmony between the two religious communities," he said.
"This is based on what happened several years ago in 2004, when Nyepi coincided with Idul Fitri, yet everything went smoothly. The holy day of Nyepi was also observed solemnly — this was thanks to the wisdom of religious leaders from both faiths," he added.
Bali MUI expressed hope that this tolerance would continue, supported by good communication between religious leaders and the community, so that the atmosphere in March would be conducive and solemn.