General

Eid mix-up in Indonesia

Ministry of Religious Affairs calls Muslim festival a day later than expected

Indonesian Muslims were disappointed Monday when their Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that Eid al-Fitr—the celebration marking the end of Ramadan—would fall on Wednesday rather than Tuesday because “the moon was too low on the horizon”. The position of the moon determines the beginning and end of Ramadan—something Muslim clerics often disagree upon (Saudi Arabia, for example, celebrated Eid on Tuesday). People in Indonesia, which boasts the most populous Muslim majority in the world, had to push back family parties and prayers, as well as fast for another day, until Eid celebrations finally broke out in Jakarta’s packed streets Wednesday. Drums were banged and fireworks launched, as Muslims bade farewell to the holy month of Ramadan—one day later than expected.

Voice of America