Idul Fitri 2007

Muhammadiyah Muslim organization–the second largest after Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has decided that the day of Idul Fitri or Eid ul-Fitr will be on Friday, 12 October 2007. While NU–the largest Muslim organisation– has yet to decide, it’ll depend on moonsighting, either on Friday or Saturday (13 October 2007). Meanwhile, the pulang kampung tradition has already begun. Pulang kampung or going back home is done by those rural people who are working in some major cities particularly Jakarta. The tradition is carried out usually once a year that is during the end of Ramadan. They will come back to work a week after Idul Fitri or Hari Raya Lebaran.

For everyone, those who do pulang kampung to celebrate Idul Fitri in their respective home town or who don’t, I wish you all Happy Eid ul-Fitr Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri. Minal ‘Aidzin wal Faizin. Mohon maaf lahir dan batin.

For non-Muslims who are not familiar with this term here’s an intro from Wikipedia:

Eid ul-Fitr or Id-Ul-Fitr, often abbreviated as simply Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Fitr means “to break the fast”and can also mean “nature” from the word “fitrat” and therefore symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period. On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family is awake very early and then after praying the first normal everyday prayer, is required to eat in a small quantity, symbolizing the end of Ramadan. They then attend special congregational prayers held only for this occasion in mosques, in large open areas, stadiums or arenas. The prayer is generally short, and is followed by a sermon (khutba). Worshippers greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace and love after the congregational prayer. After the special prayers, festivities and merriment are commonly observed with visits to the homes of relatives and friends to thank God for all blessings.

For Muslims, Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with important religious significance, celebrating of the achievement of enhanced piety. It is a day of forgiveness, moral victory, peace of congregation, fellowship, brotherhood and unity. Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting, but also thank God for the help and strength that they believe he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practice self-control. It is a time of giving and sharing, and many Muslims dress in holiday attire.