Muslims in Manado enthusiastically observe Islamic New Year

Thousands of Muslims in Manado, North Sulawesi, enthusiastically observed the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1448 H at several mosques on Monday evening.

ANTARA monitoring at the Nurul Amin Mosque in the Wale Manguni Housing Complex, Singkil Subdistrict, Manado, saw a number of Muslims welcoming 1 Muharram with enthusiasm by reciting verses from the Holy Quran and praying for protection, health, and lawful sustenance.

"Generally, the Islamic New Year celebration is observed modestly, not in the form of parties and revelry, but with great enthusiasm," said Nurul Amin Mosque administrator Juliono.

According to Juliono, the congregation prayed solemnly to Allah SWT for protection, health, welfare, and lawful sustenance.

"It has become a custom after Maghrib prayers for the congregation, led by the mosque imam or religious teacher, to recite prayers and deliver a religious lecture to the worshippers," said another administrator, Manaf, adding that the observance did not last long, at most about one hour.

Secretary of the Manado City Ittihad Persaudaraan Imam Masjid (IPIM), Guntur Bilulu, said the 1 Muharram commemoration is expected to encourage Muslims to continue pioneering attitudes of tolerance and diversity in the region, which is pluralistic and diverse.

"Diversity is not just about maintaining tolerance with other faiths, but also about helping one another as a form of care," said Guntur, who is also an ustad.

Another form of care for Muslims is empathy towards orphans, the poor, and vulnerable groups, which is an inseparable part of implementing religious values in daily life.

After the Quran recitation and communal prayers, the congregation was served food and light refreshments by several mosque administrators in Manado.