How Muslims in Indonesia Celebrate Ramadan
Among the traditions of Ramadan in Indonesia is the practice of early rising, where fasting individuals wake up to the sound of the Sahur drum.
A special ceremony is also held at the presidential palace to commemorate the revelation of the Quran.
In a report, the Kuwaiti daily Al-Sabah has looked at some of the Ramadan traditions in Indonesia. Excerpts from the report are as follows:
Indonesia has a population of 298 million, some 86 percent of whom are Muslim, with the rest following Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism.
The month of Ramadan begins in Indonesia with the sighting of the crescent moon while some people follow Saudi Arabia in starting the days of fasting.
Given the vastness of this country and the numerous islands it has, the sighting of the crescent moon varies from one location to another within the country. After the sighting of the moon is confirmed, the ministry of religious affairs announces it and some inside mosques start beating drums until Sahur (very early in the morning). People celebrate the beginning of the holy month and congratulate one another.
One of the Ramadan traditions in Indonesia is that people gather in the mosque before the Adhan of Maghrib, bringing iftar meal with them. All people, regardless of their social backgrounds and wealth, sit together and break their fast before performing the Maghrib prayer in congregation.
One of the most famous dishes that Muslims in Indonesia enjoy during iftar is Abham, a type of cake-like sweet served alongside dates. Other popular Ramadan foods in the country include rice with vegetables, chicken, and meat. The most renowned sweet enjoyed during this month is called Kolak, which is served with dates.
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Religious classes and Quranic gatherings are common in Indonesia from the beginning of Ramadan until the end of the month. Mosques are bustling with worshippers and students of religious studies who compete to attend the sessions with scholars.
Most of these scholars are from Indonesia, having studied Islamic sciences in Arab countries. Additionally, some scholars come from outside Indonesia to teach religious lessons and give lectures during the holy month.
Every night during Ramadan, the worshippers also perform the Taraweeh prayers. In some mosques in Indonesia, the Taraweeh prayers consist of 8 rakats, while in others, it consists of 20 rakats. Mosques are not committed to completing the entire Quran during the Taraweeh prayers. Instead, they read as much of the Quran as possible, and sometimes, speeches or religious lessons are presented in between the prayers.
Indonesian women also take part in the Taraweeh prayers in mosques.
Most people return home after performing the Taraweeh prayers because staying up late is not common among Muslims in this country, and only a few of them do so. Most Muslims tend to go to bed early and wake up to the sound of drums played by those who beat drum in the streets during the pre-dawn hours.
One of the Ramadan traditions in Indonesia is celebrating the revelation of the Quran. It is held at the presidential palace throughout Ramadan.
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Another tradition among Muslims in this country is to take advantage of the blessed month to reconcile the parties involved in disputes and resolve conflicts and problems among one another.
This reconciliation ceremony, known among the people of Indonesia as ‘Halal with Halal’, usually takes place in mosques and is overseen by scholars and prominent figures.
There are also special ceremonies for school students that include mass iftars, religious programs, speeches, and Quranic and religious contests.
In Ramadan, there is a decrease seen in crime rates in the Indonesian society, as the commission of sins diminishes in light of the sanctity of this month. For instance, entertainment venues are closed during this time, and people take this valuable opportunity to mend their relationships with both their Creator and one another.
Muslims in Indonesia observe the Night of Qadr during the last ten days of Ramadan, believing that this significant night falls within this period. They engage more in worship during these blessed nights, with some choosing to seclude themselves in mosques for prayer and reflection.
The people of the country are deeply committed to the teachings of Islam and the implementation of its laws. As a result, they take the initiative in charitable works and compete with one another in performing acts of worship. They set up iftar tables for the poor and invite those in need to break their fast with them. Additionally, they strive to outdo each other in paying zakat al-fitr to individuals in need or charitable organizations.
On the night before Eid al-Fitr, Muslims in Indonesia take to the streets, driving their cars or walking, and collectively recite Takbir. The sound of drums accompanies these Takbirs, and some also play musical instruments to express their joy for the holiday.
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