Idul Fitri in Indonesia: Tolerance and Religious Unity

This year's Idul Fitri, also known as Eid Al Fitr in Indonesia, takes place on March 31 and April 1, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

This is a major holiday for Muslims, ending a month of fasting and meditation towards good values.

During the month of Ramadan, Indonesian Muslims fast (puasa) from sunrise to sunset, purifying both body and soul in pursuit of self-improvement.

In the spirit of tolerance, Indonesian Muslims and people of other faiths, on this occasion, wish each other: "Happy Idul Fitri. Please forgive me for my physical and mental mistakes!"

The words have been passed down through generations, carrying a profound meaning of humility and reconciliation, while expressing love for one another. It is also a message of tolerance and mutual respect in a diverse community.

In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, it is a time for togetherness, reflection and renewal. The longest holiday of the year is a time for families and friends to reunite and strengthen social ties.

Traffic leaving the city (mudik) on the eve of Idul Fitri in Jakarta. (Photo: Do ​​Quyen/VNA)

It is no surprise that every year at this time, tens of millions of Indonesians join the flow of people returning to their hometowns (also known as mudik), creating the largest simultaneous human migration in the world.

People everywhere will return to their families, share joy after a month of Ramadan, celebrate with friends and family, and exchange small gifts and warm greetings.

Mudik has become a special cultural ritual, reflecting the deep bonds between family and community. The Indonesian government often plans ahead to support this movement, improving infrastructure and increasing transportation, from buses to trains, ships and planes, to ensure the smooth and safe flow of people.

Idul Fitri in Indonesia is also a time for social reconciliation and forgiveness. Indonesians often use this occasion to resolve disputes, apologize for even unintentional mistakes, and strengthen relationships. This spirit of social harmony and forgiveness reflects the importance of community and mutual respect in Indonesian culture.

For Indonesian Muslims, Idul Fitri is a time of reflection and spiritual renewal. After a month of fasting to refine the mind, train the spirit and purify the soul and body, Idul Fitri marks a new beginning, an opportunity to recommit to Islamic values ​​and principles.

Indonesian Muslims often attend special prayers, listen to sermons and engage in charitable activities.

A special custom that cannot be missed during Idul Fitri is the giving of charitable gifts, called zakat fitrah. Usually, the rich give gifts to the poor, or adults give gifts to children.

Indonesians also exchange “amplops” (red envelopes filled with lucky money) to show their care and affection for each other. These acts not only celebrate sharing but also reflect the community’s foundation of kindness and love.

Idul Fitri customs in Indonesia reflect the country’s rich cultural, social and religious heritage. The holiday is a unique and meaningful experience that strengthens social ties, promotes spiritual growth and fosters a sense of community and mutual respect.

Not simply a major Muslim holiday, Idul Fitri in Indonesia is also a symbol of interfaith harmony.

Gift baskets are on sale at a supermarket to celebrate Idul Fitri. (Photo: Minh Thai/VNA)

Although 88% of Indonesia's population is Muslim, festivals and activities during this occasion always welcome people of other religions to participate, demonstrating the spirit of peace and mutual understanding.

Community events such as festive meals, communal prayers and cultural performances are widely held in residential areas, with the participation of people of other faiths.

This not only helps to unite the community but also promotes solidarity between ethnicities and religions, fostering respect and tolerance in a diverse society.

With Idul Fitri in Indonesia, people, regardless of faith, unite, forgive and work together towards a peaceful, loving and respectful society of differences.

These traditions not only help maintain strong social ties but also contribute to building a harmonious society in which charity and mutual respect are core values.

Besides the joy of the holiday, Idul Fitri also provides an opportunity for each individual in the community to reflect on their actions and commit to building a better society./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/le-idul-fitri-o-indonesia-tinh-than-bao-dung-va-su-doan-ket-ton-giao-post1023748.vnp