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NU stands with govt, marking Idul Fitri on Wednesday
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A 'hilal' (crescent moon) observer from Assalam Boarding House's Astronomy Student Club (CASA) observes the sky with his telescope on July 4. (JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
I
ndonesia's largest Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has once again stood with the government, confirming that Idul Fitri, which marks the end of the fasting month, falls on Wednesday.
According to the NU central board's (PBNU) rukyatul-hilal process, or the determining of the start of the new month by observing the new moon, 19 of 42 observation points in Indonesia reported no signs of the crescent moon on Monday.
PBNU's Lajnah Falakiyah (a team of astronomy experts) deputy chairman Shohibul Faroji said the board had decided to follow the Quran and Prophet Muhammad's teachings to conclude the fasting month in 30 days, with the last day of fasting falling on Tuesday.
"The chants of takbir or praises to God [in welcoming Idul Fitri] shall therefore begin on Tuesday night in accordance with the result," Shohibul said.
The Religious Affairs Ministry has concluded through a meeting with prominent Islamic groups, including Indonesia’s second-largest Muslim organization Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the date of Idul Fitri falls on Wednesday based on the rukyatul hilal process on 90 observation points across Java. (ags)
