Idul Fitri fell on Tuesday too

The Jakarta Post ,  Surabaya   |  Fri, 10/03/2008 11:35 AM  |  East Java

Unlike the majority, a small proportion of Muslims in the province celebrated Idul Fitri one day earlier than the date set by the government, saying the difference was a blessing for Indonesian Muslims.

Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) followers in Madura, Jember, Mojokerto and Surabaya ended their fast on Monday evening and performed Ied prayers early on Tuesday.

The celebrations proceeded peacefully and calmly, aiming to avoid disturbing the majority of Muslims who were still fasting.

Following a meeting with experts from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah (the two largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia) the government set the date for the Idul Fitri holiday on Oct. 1 this year.

More than 1,000 HTI followers and the Pengajian Community performed Ied prayers peacefully at Aspari Park and Koblen in Surabaya.

"HTI holds Ied prayers in every regency and municipality in the province. We have our own system to set dates for Idul Fitri celebrations," HTI provincial chapter chairman Khoiri Sulaeman said as quoted by Antara.

Ali Tamam, an imam who led HTI's prayers at Aspari Park, called on Muslims to persevere with their self-control and to maintain the religious values they gained during the one-month fast.

"We have to remain cautious in facing a rapid growth of capitalism which has contributed to rampant poverty, economic oppression, corruption, pornography and crime. A majority of people can no longer shoulder their heavy economic burdens," he said in his sermon during the celebration.

Ali said poverty could only be alleviated once capitalism had been surpassed and if Indonesia adopted Islamic sharia law.

In Sumenep, Madura, a score of HTI followers performed their prayers at the house of Syamsuri in Asem Nunggal village.

"The prayers were performed abruptly because followers received the information on the holiday at 4:07 a.m. - very early in the morning," Fatah said after the ceremony.

Followers of NU, Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, said they could understand the reasons for HTI's choice of celebrating Idul Fitri earlier than others.

"We are tolerant and their activities do not disturb other Muslims who are still on their last day of fasting. This is a matter of faith," said NU member Khaliq.

In Jember, thousands of HTI followers thronged a number of mosques in Suger Kidul village, to perform the Ied prayer early on Tuesday.

Mafilud Duror Islamic Boarding School director Ali Wafa said the setting of Idul Fitri celebrations was based on the Nazahatul Assembly teachings, a book written by Abdurrohman As Shufuri As Syafi'I in 1346.

"Locals have celebrated Idul Fitri by referring to the date set by the boarding school that was founded in 1826. We should not question the existing difference and we should practice mutual respect. We should hold the difference to be a blessing from God," he said.

A local executive of HTI, Indra Gunawan, said Idul Fitri prayers were performed earlier in compliance with the international mass organization's decision, while Muhammad Yusuf Nuhun of the Jemaah Anshoru Tauhid said it was based on an agreement among local members.

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