When is Lebaran Anak Yatim 2026? The Date and History of the Tradition
In 2026, Lebaran Anak Yatim will once again be commemorated coinciding with the month of Muharram 1448 Hijri. The following details the specific date and the history of this tradition, also known as Idul Yatama.
Lebaran Anak Yatim falls on 25 June 2026. Known in several regions as Idul Yatama or Hari Raya Anak Yatim, this day is observed every 10th of Muharram in the Hijri calendar. Based on the 1448 H Hijri calendar, 10 Muharram 1448 H coincides with Thursday, 25 June 2026. For context, 1 Muharram, the Islamic New Year 1448 H, falls on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. According to the Joint Ministerial Decree on National Holidays and Collective Leave for 2026, this date has been designated as a national holiday to mark the Islamic New Year.
The momentum of 10 Muharram is typically utilised to organise various social activities aimed at orphans. These activities are widely conducted by the public, social institutions, mosques, and community organisations as a form of compassion and a way to share happiness.
Regarding the history of Lebaran Anak Yatim, the term has developed within society to refer to the commemoration of 10 Muharram, or the Day of Ashura. This tradition is not an official religious holiday in Islam like Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, but rather a socio-religious tradition that has grown within the Indonesian Muslim community.
Quoting explanations from the National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS), the term Lebaran Anak Yatim refers to the tradition of providing support and bringing joy to orphans on 10 Muharram. This tradition is rooted in Islamic teachings that emphasise the importance of caring for orphans and the encouragement to share with others. BAZNAS explains that 10 Muharram, or the Day of Ashura, is a day of great significance in Islam. As it evolved, the Indonesian people adopted this momentum as a time to provide extra attention to orphans through various social activities. Consequently, 10 Muharram became widely known as Lebaran Anak Yatim or Idul Yatama.
This tradition has persisted for many years across various regions. Beyond being a form of social care, the commemoration of Lebaran Anak Yatim serves as a means to foster a spirit of sharing, empathy, and solidarity within the community.
During the commemorations, the public typically organises various social activities for orphans. The most common tradition involves providing donations in the form of money, basic necessities, school supplies, or other gifts. In addition to donations, numerous mosques, foundations, and social institutions also hold joint prayers, religious studies, communal meals, and entertainment activities for orphans. These activities aim to provide happiness while strengthening social bonds within the community. The tradition of Lebaran Anak Yatim reflects the values of compassion, care, and social solidarity taught in Islam, ensuring its continued preservation as a moment to share joy with orphans, particularly during the month of Muharram.