Ramadan Start in Indonesia

Day & Historical Context: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims. The start of Ramadan in Indonesia, as in other Muslim-majority countries, is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Because of this, the exact date varies each year. Historically, Ramadan commemorates the period when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Traditions: In Indonesia, which has a significant Muslim population, Ramadan is marked by a series of religious and cultural traditions. These include:

• Sahur: Before dawn breaks, families wake up early to partake in sahur (pre-dawn meal) to sustain them throughout their fast.
• Fasting: Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn (fajr) until sunset (maghrib).
• Tarawih Prayers: Special nightly prayers called Tarawih are performed after the last obligatory prayer of the day (isha). These can be particularly elaborate and well-attended in Indonesia.
• Charity: Known as Zakat al-Fitr or simply Zakat, giving to those less fortunate is emphasized during Ramadan.
• Recitation of the Quran: Many Indonesians strive to read and recite the entire Quran during this holy month.

What People Do: On the first day of Ramadan:

• People begin their day with intentions (niat) for fasting.
• After sahur and fajr prayers, they engage in their daily activities with an increased focus on piety and self-reflection.
• Work hours may be reduced to accommodate fasting hours.
• Families often gather at sunset to break their fast together with iftar—a meal starting with dates and water followed by various traditional dishes.

Throughout Indonesia's diverse regions, local customs add unique flavors to how Ramadan is observed within different communities.