Muhammadiyah to celebrate Idul Fitri on Aug. 19

(www.muhammadiyah.or.id)

The second largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah, has announced that the first day of Idul Fitri will fall on Aug. 19, following a calculation based on a hisab (astronomical observation).

“We invite all members of Muhammadiyah and all Muslims in general to perform Ied mass prayer to welcome Idul Fitri on Aug 19,” Muhammadiyah Secretary General Agung Danarto said on Friday.

Agung said that he expected all Muslims to keep their unity despite differences that might occur in determining the first day of Idul Fitri.

Meanwhile, the government has yet to decide the first day of Idul Fitri because it will have to hold an isbat (the general meeting to decide the beginning of Ramadhan and other religious rituals) reportedly scheduled for Aug. 18.

This year, Muhammadiyah disagreed with the government in determining the first day of Ramadhan. The group announced the beginning of the fasting month on July 20, while government waited until July 21. (riz/iwa)