Holy Ramadan in Indonesia

Every year, Muslim countries observe the holy month of Ramadan with different traditions and customs, such differences account for the diverse cultural traditions within the Muslim community throughout the world. Indonesia is a country with 6 official religions and its people have a broad range of traditions and events during Ramadan.

Hawzah News Agency (Qom, Iran) – In an interview with Hawzah News, Fabri Nouran, an Indonesian Muslim, elaborated on his country’s customs during the holy month of Ramadan; “The Indonesian traditions regarding the month of Ramadan are quite different than Iranian ones since Indonesia is a tropical country located on the equator, the length of the day does not change throughout the year or even centuries, so people usually fast from 4 or 5 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Indonesia,” he added.

Elaborating on Indonesian Shia’s method for deciding the first day of Ramadan, Fabri Nouran added, “In order to determine the beginning of Ramadan as well as Eid al-Fitr, Shia Muslims dispatch groups of local specialists to observe the new moon.”

Speaking of other special ceremonies held by Indonesian Muslims during Ramadan, he said, “In Malaysia and some parts of Indonesia Iftar markets are held in which people can buy and sell food products from 4 p.m. until the evening prayer time.”

The Indonesian cleric concluded his interview by saying that groups of youth and university students organize their own special programs during the month of Ramadan such as holding Iftar meals and feeding people depending on their financial capabilities.