Muslims to observe Idul Fitri on different days
Tiarma Siboro and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesia's two largest Muslim organizations -- Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadyah -- have decided to celebrate Idul Fitri, the end of the fasting month, on two different days: Thursday for Muhammadiyah and Friday for NU.
The government, on the other hand, has not made any decision yet. Minister of Religious Affairs Said Agiel Husein Al Munawar, indicated on Tuesday that the government would choose Friday as the first day of Idul Fitri.
The minister further said that based on a recent meeting of Southeast Asian ministers of religious affairs in Brunei, celebrations should fall on Friday.
The head of NU's Astronomy Department, A. Ghazalie Masroeri, said on Tuesday it had decided to celebrate Idul Fitri on Friday, based on both hisab (astronomical calculations) and ru'yat (sighting of the moon).
Earlier, Muhammadyah said the celebration would be on Thursday. Its chairman Ahmad Syafii Maarif urged any parties not to politicize differences between NU and Muhammadyah on Idul Fitri to avoid unnecessary disputes among Muslims.
"We should develop a tolerance among Muslims, especially to those who follow the NU's decision by celebrating it on Friday," Sjafii told The Jakarta Post by phone.
A similar plea was also voiced by Irvan Zidni, deputy chairman of NU's Law Making Body.
"We Muslims should not quarrel because of this difference. If we have to end our fasting month one day later than others, it is surely not a sin. It's a submission to God."
Idul Fitri is the most important festival among Muslims in Indonesia. Millions of people leave cities for their hometowns for the celebration.
Differences in the date of Idul Fitri celebration between Muhammadiyah and NU will affect Muslims in Indonesia as the two organization command tens of millions of people.
In the past few years, NU and Muhammadiyah celebrated Idul Fitri on the same days. However, this year is not the first time that Muslims in Indonesia will celebrate Idul Fitri on different days.
A number of places have already prepared for Idul Fitri Celebrations on Thursday, with noted people reserved for giving sermons.
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais, a former Muhammadyah chairman, is scheduled to give Idul Fitri sermons at the Senayan eastern parking lot of Gelora Bung Karno sports complex, Central Jakarta.
Justice Party (PK) chairman Hidayat Nur Wahid will lead prayer at Al Azar Mosque in South Jakarta, also on Thursday.
Rusjdi Hamka, a senior member of Muhammadiyah, will lead prayer in the Islamic Hospital in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta, on Thursday.
"As the executive board of Muhammadiyah has decided that Idul Fitri will be on Thursday, then all members of Muhammadiyah all over the country will hold Idul Fitri prayers on that day," Rusjdi told the Post on Tuesday.