MUI Urges Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Euphoria Not to Disturb Nyepi Worship

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Cholil Nafis. (ANTARA - Sean Filo Muhamad)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Cholil Nafis appealed to all Indonesian Muslims, especially those living close to the Hindu community, not to make Ramadan and Idulfitri as things that interfere with the Nyepi worship.

"We must give equal space to celebrate and carry out worship. For brothers and sisters who do Nyepi, we Muslims must not interfere," he said when met in Jakarta, Thursday, as quoted by Antara.

The Deputy Secretary General of MUI emphasized that Indonesia is a Pancasila country, with the first principle "God is One", which guarantees all people to carry out their respective religious laws.

He appealed to Muslims, especially those living in the Bali region and will carry out takbir tonight not to carry it out with excessive loudspeakers.

"Likewise, our friends who want to takbir, yes takbir, but not for loudspeakers, so as not to disturb our brothers and sisters who are doing Nyepi," he said.

"It can be done through dialogue, regulated with the good, so that it can carry out worship comfortably, optimally, a peaceful and prosperous Indonesia," said Cholil Nafis.

Previously, the Minister of Religion (Menag), Nasaruddin Umar invited all elements of the nation to make the Holy Day of Nyepi New Year Saka 1948 as a momentum to strengthen brotherhood and maintain harmony in the midst of diversity.

The Minister of Religion said that this year's Nyepi celebration felt special, because it took place in the atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan and was close to Idulfitri 1447 H.

He assessed that the meeting of the two religious moments became a strong symbol of the value of cross-faith togetherness.

"This is not just a coincidence, but a reminder that we are in one spirit Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family," said Nasaruddin Umar.