Muslims around the world are expected to celebrate Raya this Wednesday (April 10, subject to change). A small part of residents in Yogyakarta in Indonesia, however, have started to celebrate since last Friday (April 5), leaving the rest of the world baffled.
The Imam (leader of the congregational prayer) of Aolia Mosque said that he was convinced that Raya indeed fell on April 5th because he had “double-checked” with God with a mere phone call, according to an interview posted on TikTok page @metroikn.
“I didn’t calculate the days. I phone called Allah straight away, and I asked Him – ‘this is already the 29th day of Ramadhan, when’s Raya?'”
The Imam, who is known as Mbah Benu is also aware of the criticisms from around the world about the early celebration but he admitted to turning a blind eye to them, saying the backlashes didn’t matter.
“I don’t mind getting blamed. This is between me and God,” he said.
Mbah Benu also claimed that the congregants who attended the Raya prayer on April 5 were not only from the district but also allegedly from around the world, including Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and England.
He added that the determination of Raya for the Aolia congregation is based on their spiritual journey.
“This determination is based on the beliefs and congregations of Aolia, which has spread throughout Indonesia. The congregation maintains tolerance between each other and appreciates the decision.”
In the meantime, the Head of Islamic Religious Affairs, Regional Office of the Ministry of Religion, Jauhar Mustofa said, his party could not ‘force’ the Aolia Mosque congregation to follow the determination of the holiday as decided by the government.
The congregants in the district also started fasting earlier on March 6. Muslims around the world began fasting on March 12.
With Raya happening on the day after tomorrow, are you excited about the celebration and the holiday?
