(MENAFN) Muslims in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, are preparing to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Thursday. Ramadan is a time of traditions and ceremonies for Muslims around the world, and Indonesia is no exception. From torchlight street parades to cleaning relatives' graves and sharing meals with loved ones, every region in the vast Southeast Asian archipelago has its own way of marking the start of Ramadan, highlighting the country's diverse cultural heritage.
The country's religious affairs minister will try to sight the crescent moon on Wednesday evening to determine the first day of the holy month. Most Indonesians, who are predominantly Muslim, are expected to follow the government's official date. However, if the moon is not visible, as expected, the first day of Ramadan will be postponed until the following day.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity. The fast is aimed at bringing the faithful closer to God and reminding them of the suffering of the poor. Muslims are expected to strictly observe daily prayers and engage in heightened religious contemplation. They are also encouraged to refrain from gossip, fighting, or cursing during the holy month.
Indonesia's second-largest Islamic group, Muhammadiyah, which counts more than 60 million members, has announced that according to its astronomical calculations, Ramadan will begin on Thursday. However, with soaring food prices, many Indonesians are concerned about the cost of celebrating Ramadan, which typically involves preparing special meals and buying new clothes.
Although Indonesia has more Muslims than any other country in the world, its Ramadan traditions have been influenced by other religions. For example, Nyadran, a Javanese ritual, heavily influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism, involves visiting ancestors' gravesites to pay respect. Despite the influence of other religions, Ramadan remains a time of spiritual renewal and cultural celebration for Muslims in Indonesia and around the world.
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