Muslims in Indonesia (Photo: VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – The holy month of Ramadan has started after several terrorism attacks occurred in Indonesia over the past few days, with the government warning about possible future attacks.
However, Ramadan is still the most anticipated time of the year for Indonesian Muslims. During the holy month, they abstain from food, drink, cigarettes and other pleasures from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is the time Muslims believe God started to reveal the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. For believers, Ramadan is a time of reflection and worship, remembering the hardships of others and being charitable. They gather at mosques to attend ceremonies held at noon.
A festival of breaking the fast, called Labaran in Indonesian, also known as Eid El Fitr or Idul Fitri, marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan and the beginning of a new month.
Shabah Syamsi, head of the management board of the Al Azhar Agung mosque in Jakarta capital city, said the mosque has prepared and set up temporary shelters since more people will come than usual. About 3,000 believers will come to the mosque to pray, read the Quran, listen to teachings and receive free meals after 18:00.
Al Azhar Agung is the largest mosque in south Jakarta, with up to 30,000 people coming to pray at peak time. Security is considered the top priority during the holy month, as local authorities have increased security measures, especially at night, to ensure safety for believers.-VNA
