PBNU Secretary General Offers Eid al-Fitr Greetings to Muhammadiyah Secretary General and Congregation
The Secretary General of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to all Muslims celebrating the festival earlier today. Gus Ipul stated that the difference in celebration timings is part of Allah’s mercy and should be approached with maturity, sincerity, and a spirit of brotherhood.
“Happy Eid, Prof Mukti (Muhammadiyah Secretary General) and all Muhammadiyah members as well as everyone celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Friday,” said Gus Ipul in his statement on Friday (20/3/2026).
According to him, amid these differences, Muslims have the opportunity to demonstrate values of togetherness that strengthen the nation.
He emphasised that the Eastern tradition of upholding brotherhood, mutual respect, and maintaining social harmony must be continuously nurtured. Gus Ipul stressed that Eid al-Fitr should be a moment to reinforce harmony and solidarity among fellow humans.
“This difference is part of Allah’s mercy. Therefore, let us continue to build brotherhood, preserve the tradition of unity, and hope that the blessings of Eid al-Fitr pave the way to strengthen harmony and solidarity,” he explained.
Gus Ipul added that differences in determining the holiday date should not be a reason to strain relations, but rather a natural aspect that must be preserved. In fact, within these differences, togetherness finds its most profound meaning.
“Differences are a natural aspect that must be preserved. This is a moment to build togetherness amid differences,” he elaborated.
On this occasion, Gus Ipul also invited Muslims to broaden the meaning of Eid al-Fitr by showing concern for the global humanitarian situation, particularly conflicts and wars in the Middle East. He hoped that the war would soon subside, as its impacts could spread to various regions and add to human suffering.
“Of course, we pray that the war in the Middle East ends soon, because its effects could spread everywhere if not resolved. This prayer also serves as a call to all parties to stop the war,” said Gus Ipul.
Gus Ipul emphasised that amid various global challenges, togetherness is important to continuously strengthen, both in terms of Islamic brotherhood (ukhuwah Islamiyah), human brotherhood (ukhuwah basyariyah), and national brotherhood (ukhuwah wathaniyah).
“Here, the importance of togetherness to strengthen Islamic brotherhood, human brotherhood, and national brotherhood,” he concluded.
For information, Muhammadiyah has set 1 Syawal 1447 H to fall on Friday (20/3/2026). Meanwhile, the government has set 1 Syawal 1447 H to fall on Saturday, 21 March 2026, and PBNU has also announced that Eid al-Fitr falls on Saturday, 21 March 2026.